January 3, 2019

Eskimos announce coaching and football ops staff for 2019

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos announced their coaching and football operations staff for the 2019 season on Thursday.

Head Coach Jason Maas will be joined by:

The 2019 Edmonton Eskimos Football Operations staff is:

David Turner – Director of Player Personnel
Will Homer – Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Bobby Merritt – Director of Scouting
Kris Hagerman – Director of Football Operations
Nick Pelletier – Assistant Director of Football Operations/Player Personnel Assistant
Griffin Dear – Head Video Coordinator

Turner joins the Eskimos after spending the 2017 and 2018 seasons as the BLESTO scout for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, and brings with him 10 seasons of NFL experience to the Green and Gold. Most recently, Turner owned and operated a consulting service, helping NFL Draft prospects prepare for the Combine and pre-draft interview process since 2015.

Turner worked in the personnel department of the Arena Football League’s Arizona Rattlers from 2011-15, serving as director of player personnel in his first three seasons with the team before being elevated to assistant general manager. The Rattlers won three consecutive AFL championships from 2012-14.

Prior to joining the Rattlers, he spent two seasons (2010-11) as the director of player personnel for the UFL’s Hartford Colonials.

From 2005-10, he worked in the personnel department for the Oakland Raiders, holding several different positions, including scouting assistant, area scout and assistant director of pro personnel. Turner also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 as a personnel consultant. Turner began his career in football as an intern with the Miami Dolphins (2001) and New York Giants (2003-04).

Turner graduated from San Francisco State with a degree in political science.

The Eskimos also announce that long-time employees, Executive Director of Player Personnel Paul Jones and Director of Canadian Scouting Rob Ralph are no longer members of the organization. The club would like to thank Paul and Rob for their combined 40+ seasons with the Green and Gold and their contributions to three Grey Cup championships (2003, 2005, 2015).

Additionally, Scout Chris Milo is no longer a member of the organization.