Redblacks extend GM, coach through 2020
Ottawa Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins and coach Rick Campbell have been rewarded for their team’s success, with Wednesday’s announcement that their contracts have been extended two years — through the 2020 season.
“It was something that was initiated by the OSEG partners and the ownership group, something that Rick and I were obviously very much on board with,” said Desjardins. “They’ve known since Day 1 that Rick and I really enjoy the environment here.”
“I’m grateful, thankful and excited to be here, it really has been a great fit,’ said Campbell following the Redblacks practice at TD Place. “I think we share the belief that we want to do whatever we can to win football games here. It’s a great place to live, I’ve made Ottawa my home. I want to be here. I’m proud to be a Redblack and proud to be part of this city. I already have a whole bunch of memories from three short seasons and we’re hoping to make a lot more coming up.”
The Redblacks are coming off a Grey Cup victory in only their third season, obviously a credit to the coaching staff and football operations department.
Asked why Campbell is a good fit in Ottawa, Desjardins said: “It goes back to the main reason I hired him in the first place. He’s very level-headed, similar to myself. Whether we’re 2-16 or 12-6 or 8-9-1 and winning the Grey Cup, he’s really the same person the same day.”
Asked why he has a good working relationship with his GM, Campbell said: “I think we share the same philosophy that we want to do what we can to win games, we want to treat people well and we want to surround this team with not only talented people, but quality people who have character.
“It’s obviously about winning No. 1, but it’s also about building the team to be part of the community and I want to be part of it.”