Winnipeg Blue Bombers Make Defensive Coordinator Change
In an interesting twist, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced a change to their coaching staff. Defensive backs coach Jordan Younger has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Richie Hall has been demoted from defensive coordinator to an untitled assistant role on the coaching staff.
The move was discussed during the CFL’s winter meetings Monday, with Bombers coach Mike O’Shea addressing the change.
“It’s not an easy decision.” O’Shea said, according to the Winnipeg Sun. “You’re talking about two guys I have long-standing relationships with and value a whole lot. To be able to have both on staff was certainly what the aim was, but you can’t really guarantee that. I’m just so excited Richie agreed to stay on.”
Younger has been mentioned for defensive coordinator roles in the past. He’s considered to be one of the up-and-coming assistant coaches in the CFL since joining Winnipeg in 2018. His secondary produced a league-best 229.4 passing yards allowed per game and 59.7 percent completion percentage last season.
O’Shea wanted to make sure he was able to retain his 45-year-old defensive coach.
“(He’s) been on this trajectory for quite some time, even as far back as his playing career,” O’Shea said. “He’s just really intelligent and creative. So, these conversations go back, and you just know there’s going to come a time where if you don’t make a move, you’re going to lose him, and I didn’t want to get to that point.”
Hall has been with the organization for eight seasons, serving as defensive coordinator during that span. He’s won two Grey Cups with the Bombers in 2019 and 2021.
The team also announced that Mike Miller will be the special teams coordinator replacing Paul Boudreau, whose contract was not renewed. Miller is the all-time leading special teams tackler in CFL history with 226. He did not play in the 2023 season after suffering an injury in training camp.
Winnipeg finished the 2023 season with a 14-4 record, losing in the Grey Cup to the Montreal Alouettes.
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