In this file photo, Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice is happy with what he sees in drill at practice in Winnipeg, Nov.14, 2002.Ken Gigliotti
Some thoughts on the hiring of Paul LaPolice as Winnipeg's new head coach ... from cloudy Florida.
It was interesting that after the Bombers hired Joe Mack as their general manager two weeks ago, it was widely assumed that Greg Marshall would follow as head coach.
That presumption was based on the perception the Blue Bombers' board of directors was pro-Marshall and therefore would exert that pressure when hiring Mack.
It was even speculated that Mack may have been given the GM's job on the condition he hire Marshall.
Now, no disrespect to Marshall, who would have been a fine choice as head coach, but anyone who knows Mack would know he would not have taken over the reigns of the Blue Bombers if his hands were going to be tied in any football matter.
It's a fundemental part of building a team that the people in charge have to be able to make their own choices in who they hire. As an experienced football executive, Mack would know this as well as anyone.
Which isn't to suggest he hired LaPolice to spite the board; moreover that he was always going to make his own decision, no matter whom he chose.
That part of this coaching hire should be good news to Bomber fans.
Now they just have to hope Mack made the right choice.