Well Elks Fans, whether you like it or not, you now have a 4-time Grey Cup Champion and former CFL Coach of the Year running the herd. The Edmonton Elks announced today that Tennessee born Chris Jones will make his return to the Green and Gold after migrating through the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Cleveland Browns, South Pittsburg High School and the Toronto Argonauts.

Chris Jones will immediately take on the role of General Manger, Head Coach, and likely the Defensive Coordinator of the Elks who crawled to a dismal 3-13 record during the COVID plagued 2021 CFL season. He brings to the organization a 53-37 Head Coaching record and he becomes the first coach in franchise history to return for a second stint at the helm.

Fans are hoping that the 2022 version of the Elks, guided by Jones, will bring a rapid improvement to the on field performance of the team. Unlike 2014, this time he has the reigns of the entire team as the GM and HC. With a load of CFL free agents to pick from, Chris Jones will aggressively scour the talent pool and players who love his style will certainly suit up for the Green and Gold.

Those who were skeptical of this hiring based on Jones’ previous bolting from the Double-E after the 2015 season will now have to test their own loyalty and commitment to the organization. Now gone are the dreams of Mike O’Shea landing in Edmonton, the return of the Great Ed Hervey, or that magical idea that a potential rookie GM like Ted Gouveia would turn this ship around. According to Dave Campbell of 630 CHED, the deal is for four years and Jones has committed to fulfilling the term.

Sit back Elks fans, take a long sip of that sweet Tennessee whisky and get ready for 2022. Welcome back Mr. Jones, don’t break our heart again.