Is not just the title of Tom Cruise's first movie in which he played a starring role - it's also my impression of the news and comments coming out of Mosaic Stadium this week. I have gradually come on board, in respect to the hiring of Kent Austin as the Riders' new Head Coach. Initially, I was concerned about Austin's lack of coaching experience, and his gruff demeanor.
After listening to an interview done with the guys from the Prime Time Sports radio program out of Toronto last night, those concerns are fading away. Austin possesses a mind, and vocabulary, which sets him miles ahead of many of his coaching colleagues. Is "fancy talking" a guarantee of on-field success? No. But it is an indication of a keen mind, which hopefully allows the man to make smart, well thought-out and (as needed) quick decisions that benefit the football team in the long run. He's also not sold on Kerry Joseph as an elite CFL quarterback. I believe that's a fair assessment, based on last year's performance. Suddenly, I feel a lot better about the decision to renew our (Jacob and my) season tickets.
One other plus - he makes no bones about demanding accountability and results from his players, his assistant coaches, and himself. Perform well, and you have a job. Don't, and you won't. Rumour has it that's what the successful teams do too. Might be time we gave it a try around here. Oh, and any players who object are advised not to let the door hit them on the way out!
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