Ticats.ca Staff
HAMILTON — When the Hamilton Tiger-Cats hired George Cortez as their new head coach and director of football operations last weekend, he was hailed as an offensive mastermind whose gameplans were renowned for their attention to detail.
While his successes as a coach in the CFL, NFL and the NCAA speaks for itself, here’s what four quarterbacks that played for Cortez had to say about the Ticats new head coach.
Former Calgary Stampeder Jeff Garcia:
I’m excited for Coach Cortez to finally get that head coaching job. He’s proven throughout his years of coaching that he has not only the experience, but know-how, as far as his ability to create success on the field with his teaching.”
I was fortunate enough to be with him in Calgary. He was a great instructor of the game, he prepared us well and we were able to take his teachings and turn it into success on the field. For him to finally get that head coaching job, I’m very excited for him, I’m happy for him and it’s well deserved.”
Calgary Stampeders offensive coordinator/former Stampeders QB Dave Dickenson:
“He’s a not a screamer but he’s not there to make friends, he’s there to win games. He has a way that he knows will work and he expects everyone to buy in. I always knew I was prepared with George — there’s no film he hasn’t watched.”
“I think George is creative but I also think he’s from that school that, ‘We’re going to do something well and whether they know we’re running it or not, we should be able to execute it. I don’t think there’s any secrets and all this guru talk. I think he’s just a fundamentals guy that does a great job of teaching it. George makes it works with all different kinds of quarterbacks – I don’t think he needs a certain type to succeed. He’ll fit what he needs to do around the talent he’s got.” (via Hamilton Spectator)
Tiger-Cats QB Henry Burris:
“George is a guy who is detail-based and will make sure we field a good team, and the right type of team.”
“He finds out your strengths and maximizes that opportunity and improves your weaknesses. The thing that always gets lost in the coaching translation is teaching. When George gave his speech at the press conference he mentioned that teaching is what his job is, and what his staff’s job is.”
“You can tell guys to go out there and run plays, but if you don’t teach them the proper way to carry out those skills and execute those plays, it’s going to get lost in the shuffle. That’s something he does a masterful job of, and that’s why I’ve always said he’s one of the best minds I’ve ever worked with. That’s why I’m excited to back with him again.”
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers:
“I enjoyed my time with Coach Cortez. Coach was very detail-oriented. I always felt like I went into every game extremely prepared and there was no stone that was left unturned. In the quarterback room, we went through every scenario, situation, and play, so you went into the game feeling real confident about what you were going to see, the checks you would need to make and the reads you would need to make if you saw different looks.”
“I always appreciated his attention to detail.”
