Eskimos name Hall new coach

Dec 17, 2008 - 9:00 PM EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) - Longtime assistant Richie Hall is the new head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos.

General Manager Danny Maciocia, who Hall is replacing on the sidelines, made the announcement during a news conference Wednesday.

"Having coached against him for many years, I have long admired Richie's abilities," Maciocia said. "He brings an outstanding reputation as both a coach and person and someone I firmly believe is an excellent fit for the Eskimo organization."

Hall has served as the Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive coordinator for the past eight seasons and has been with that organization a total of 15 years.

"I am tremendously excited to join the Edmonton Eskimos, an organization with a rich and successful history," Hall said. "There is an excellent nucleus of talent here and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead."

With Hall running the defense, Saskatchewan won the 2007 Grey Cup, and the club allowed a CFL--low 354 yards per game this past season.

The 48-year-old Hall had been interviewed for several CFL head-coaching jobs in recent years, but was passed over in each instance.

Hall also brings some CFL playing experience to the post as he spent a total of nine seasons in the league as a defensive back with Calgary and Saskatchewan, where he won a Grey Cup in 1989.