CALGARY — Aside from the wins, John Hufnagel’s legacy as head coach of the Calgary Stampeders will be seen on the sidelines of Sunday’s Grey Cup in Winnipeg.
Edmonton Eskimos head coach Chris Jones was Hufnagel’s defensive co-ordinator from 2008 to 2011.
Ottawa Redblacks coach Rick Campbell was Jones’s successor in Calgary in 2012 and 2013. Campbell also coached the Stampeders’ running backs in 2010.
The CFL is sprinkled with men mentored by Hufnagel. He is stepping aside after eight years as head coach of the Stampeders, but will continue as general manager in 2016.
B.C. Lions offensive co-ordinator George Cortez filled the same role for Hufnagel in 2008 and 2009. Cortez was head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012.
Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive backs coach Tony Missick spent four seasons in that job in Calgary. Jones, Cortez and Missick won Grey Cups with Hufnagel.
"You look at all the guys who have coached under Huf, they’re all very good coaches and for good reason because they’ve learned from him how to be professionals, how to handle the role and how to handle your players professionally and with respect," Stampeder quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell said Monday at McMahon Stadium.
Sunday’s 45-31 loss to Jones and the Eskimos in the West Division final marked the end of Hufnagel’s coaching tenure in Calgary.
His successor is another disciple. Dave Dickenson, Hufnagel’s offensive co-ordinator for the last five seasons, takes over in 2016.
Hufnagel steps away from the Stampeder sideline with a 102-41-1 regular-season record. This season, the 64-year-old from Coraopolis, Pa., became the second-fastest coach in CFL history to 100 career wins behind Wally Buono.
Hufnagel coached the Stampeders to Grey Cups in 2008 and 2014 and another appearance in 2012, as well as seven appearances in the division final.
The Stampeders played 69 regular-season games under Hufnagel without suffering back-to-back losses, which is a Canadian pro football record.
"I had a blast for eight years," Hufnagel said. "Especially the last four, the professionalism that the players brought to work each and every week was such a big part of them being able to win a lot of games.
"I’m sure there will be things that I miss, but there’s going to be a lot of things I enjoy in the realm of the general manager job. I’m still going to be here on game day. The adrenalin flow, I’ll still have on game day. Hopefully I can help prepare the team as best I can sitting in the general manager chair."
Dickenson did not speak to reporters Monday. A Calgary Stampeder spokesman said the team’s position was Hufnagel is still head coach and GM until after Sunday’s Grey Cup.
But Dickenson addressed the Stampeders as head coach for the first time during Monday’s locker cleanout.
Dickenson was given the awkward title of assistant head coach to start the 2014 season, which was an indicator of Calgary’s succession plan. Hufnagel said the time was right to make the transition.
"Continuity is important," Hufnagel said. "Dave is an excellent football coach. He’s a very smart man, a smart football coach. He just needs to have some good luck, good fortune and hopefully I can help him."
The Stampeders gave the Roughriders permission to speak to assistant general manager and director of player personnel John Murphy for the ‘Riders vacant GM position.
Murphy is under contract in Calgary until Dec. 31. His skills in talent identification and recruitment helped the Stampeders stay deep positionally and resilient enough to win games when hit by significant injuries.
"I think myself and 250,000 other people that live out there are probably interested in that job," Murphy said. "From a professional standpoint, it’s time to take a look. The Stampeder organization has been great to me.
"I’m not actively pursuing anything. If somebody wants to speak to me about something, they’re more than welcome to contact Huf. I have no reason to be anything but pleased with the position I have other than the latest result."
Hufnagel said he’ll meet with Dickenson and the rest of the coaches Tuesday to evaluate players and consider free-agent needs for 2016.
The fotball future of running back Jon Cornish is murky. The CFL’s leading rusher and Most Outstanding Canadian from 2012 to 2014 did not play in Calgary’s last five games because of neck pain. Injuries have limited Cornish to nine games each of the last two seasons.
Cornish’s situation will influence Calgary’s ambition to re-sign running back Jerome Messam, who will be a free agent. Eric Rogers, the CFL’s leader in receiving yards this season, and veteran defensive back Keon Raymond will also be among Calgary’s prominent free agents.
