The Edmonton Elks announced additions to their coaching staff for the much anticipated 2022 CFL season. They also confirmed that 2021 Defensive Coordinator, Noel Thorpe will not be back with the herd. GM/Head Coach Chris Jones further confirmed that he will be taking on the role of Defensive Coordinator and will continue to be very involved with the defensive side of the ball.
The following coaches join the previous announced staff of Stephen McAdoo, Jarious Jackson, and Markus Howell:
Maxie and Robinson are the only two assistants that have been retained from the 2021 coaching staff.
At the media availability today, all of the staff voiced their excitement to once again have the opportunity to work with Chris Jones and they are looking forward to the challenge of improving the football team. I took the opportunity to ask Offensive line coach, Anthony Vitale what plans he has to improve the schematics and personnel involved with protecting the QB. Although her has not yet had the time to evaluate the personnel, he stated that:
“We are going to take pride in keeping the Quarterback upright.”
Anthony Vitale (O-line coach) – Elks media availability on 13 January 2022.
Coach Vitale, appeared excited to be working with Stephen McAdoo as he looks forward to learning from McAdoo’s experience as a former OL player and coach. Anthony Vitale in 2021, worked with the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds.
When Chris Jones was asked by a member of the media if Nick Arbuckle was going to be their number one Quarterback starting 2022, he responded firmly that they would be evaluating every position and player they have.
“Every job is going to be challenged. Nothing is given.”
Chris Jones (GM/Head coach) – Elks media availability on 13 January 2022.
The staff hired by Jones all have previous experience working with him and he is confident that they could start practicing today, anywhere in the world. He did recognize that they are about a month behind in their preparations, but they would be ready for the start of the 2022 season.
Jones further confirmed that the Special Teams coaching staff would be announced in the upcoming weeks as they finalize contracts. It appears that those pieces are already in place and are just pending an announcement by the team.
