http://www.winnipegsun.com/2013/12/02/bombers-settle-with-tim-burke

 

Kirk Penton

Winnipeg Sun

 

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have reached a contract settlement with former head coach Tim Burke.

The buyout, which the Bombers said is “very favourable” for the organization, likely paves the way for Burke to join the Toronto Argonauts as their defensive co-ordinator, although nothing has been finalized on that front.

Burke, whom the Bombers fired last month, had a year left on his contract with the Blue and Gold, and the organization didn’t rule out bringing him back as defensive co-ordinator if the new head coach was willing to go that route.

Once Argos defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones left Toronto to become the Edmonton Eskimos new head coach, however, it seemed like a natural fit for Burke to join the Boatmen. He and Argos head coach Scott Milanovich worked together in Montreal as co-ordinators and are fairly close friends.

It’s likely the Bombers agreed to pay Burke a portion of the difference between his head coaching salary and what he will likely be making as the man in charge of Toronto’s defence.

Burke made it to four consecutive Grey Cups as a defensive co-ordinator between 2008 and 2011. His head coaching career didn’t go as well; he was 7-21 over two seasons when the Bombers let him go.

Burke's buyout also means next season the Bombers won't be paying a coach who isn't working for them. It's been a while since they've been able to say that. Former president Garth Buchko and ex-GM Joe Mack are still on the books, however.

 

So only have to pay the difference betwen what he will make and the contract that the Bomber gave him. Seemed to make out alright on that one.

Hopefully Burke takes most of the defensive staff with him as well.

As for Jones, I'm of an opinion that Jones' success like Chapdelaine's are more a product of the talent their teams have had as opposed to them being solid co-ordinators.

Jones recruits most of his own defensive guys so I guess in the end, he's still deserving of the credit

 

Hopefully Burke takes most of the defensive staff with him as well.

As for Jones, I'm of an opinion that Jones' success like Chapdelaine's are more a product of the talent their teams have had as opposed to them being solid co-ordinators.

Jones recruits most of his own defensive guys so I guess in the end, he's still deserving of the credit

 

Good point.

Hopefully Burke takes most of the defensive staff with him as well.

 

As for Jones, I'm of an opinion that Jones' success like Chapdelaine's are more a product of the talent their teams have had as opposed to them being solid co-ordinators.

 

I believe they are both solid co-ordinators but the question is who will have access to the players they want to facilitate what they are trying to do.

Toronto has some good D personnel but do they it fit Burke?

I think Jones in Edmonton can be more flexible, and he has some good personnel too.

 

Anyways, good luck to Timbo, but I'm glad he has moved on.

(Expect sales of visors to Sky-rocket in Toronto.)

For all the Jones love going on you gotta remember that 2 seasons ago Gary Crowton had his defense absolutely guessing.

 

I think our performance in that game was more about Jones starting an out-of-shape Adriano Belli at DT and less about Crowton's offensive wizardry.

Yeah, Burke was just a coach in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in way over his head. A lot of good coaches would be. I do wish him well as he seems to be a decent & nice guy.

Good luck to Burke.  I think he's a very good DC and I'm not surprised that he's got another job so quickly.

This is great news,  the club will save lots of money and it at least makes the decision moving forward much easier.  

does this mean that i won't see a guy like Cleon Laing drop into coverage anymore?

 

Interested to see what Burke does in Toronto. My first thoughts are that the personnel may not fit what he wants to do.

 

third straight year of massive turnover on our D is coming up.

Tim Burke is a helluva DC and Toronto is getting one of the best.  I would take Burke over Jones, personally.  Hated him as HC here but I respect his defensive acumen.

Burke the DC I really liked. He's very good at that job. Completely over his head at head coach and one of the worst I've ever seen here (pretty select company) but the argos got a good defensive coordinator there. 

Yup Toronto will do well with him

good luck to burke in toronto.. he is going to do well again as a DC once he settles in and get acclimated to the roster.. or to the new guys he wants brought in, lol.

So, how does this play on O'Shea?

 

He may have felt that he was in line to become DC in Toronto.  I personally believe that SPC is a more demanding role, but many others feel that the DC is a higher position.

 

It would be interesting to know more.

When I get off the couch I am Takin' a Knee for Timmy.