Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed Chris Jones to a one-year contract extension through 2019, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The Riders also announced that front office personnel Jeremy O’Day, John Murphy and Mike Davis have each agreed to two-year extensions, keeping them under contract with the Riders through the 2019 season.
“It was important for our organization to create continuity within our football operations to build on the strong foundation that’s been established,” stated Craig Reynolds president and CEO. “Chris is a proven winner and has surrounded himself with a valuable support system of experienced individuals. Under their guidance, we look forward to our football team taking the next step on-field.”
RELATED:
» Argos acquire James Franklin’s rights
» Als’ hire could set off chain reaction
» Lions part ways with Khari Jones, among others
Chris Jones led the Riders to a 10-8 record and their first playoff berth since 2014 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Originally hired on Dec. 7, 2015, Jones will enter his third season with the Riders. After going through a rebuilding season in 2016, the Riders increased by five wins under Jones’ guidance last year, and appeared in a division final for the first time since 2013.
O’Day will remain with the Riders for his 20th consecutive season – his third in the role of Assistant Vice-President of Football Operations and Administration. O’Day originally joined the club’s front office in 2011 after playing 12 seasons on the Riders’ offensive line.
Murphy will return for his third season as Assistant Vice-President of Football Operations and Player Personnel. Murphy will be entering his 13th year in the CFL after previously spending time in Calgary and Winnipeg.
Davis will return as the Riders’ Manager of Football Administration. Davis was added to the Riders staff in September, 2016 after coaching the Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League for six seasons.
Jones took over the Riders’ sideline and football operations as the head coach and general manager after winning a Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos in 2015. In his first season with the Riders, 2016, he coached Saskatchewan to a 5-13 record — a two-win improvement over the previous year.
This season marked the real turnaround for the Green and White, however. In their first year at new Mosaic Stadium, the Riders went 10-8, making the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
The team ended the season on an 8-4 run before bowing out to the eventual Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts in the Eastern Semi-Final.
In Jones’ second season at the helm, the Riders also had a positive point differential of 80 points — the second-best in the CFL behind only Calgary.
