SMITH ENDS 16 YEARS IN GREEN AND WHITE.
Assistant coach one of three let go
REGINA — Alex Smith was caught off-guard by the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ decision to let him go after 16 seasons as an assistant coach.
“You sort of get an indication as the year progresses that things aren’t going well and I never got that impression,’’ Smith said Wednesday after the Riders confirmed that Smith, defensive line coach Mike Walker and offensive line coach Kris Sweet won’t be returning for the 2013 season. “I was surprised when (head coach Corey Chamblin) made that decision. That’s his prerogative. He wants to improve the defence and that’s his decision.’’
News of the Riders releasing Smith and Walker surfaced prior to the 2012 Grey Cup game in Toronto. On Tuesday, there were Twitter reports that Sweet was being released after one season.
“The decisions were made earlier after evaluations, but (today) was when it was official,’’ Chamblin said Wednesday.
Prior to the 2012 season, Smith was named an assistant to the head coach as well as the linebackers coach.
Smith, the 69 year-old native of Regina, was a guest coach with the Riders in 1995 and 1996. He became a fulltime staff member in 1997 as the linebackers coach after retiring as teacher. Smith was also actively involved with the team’s CFL draft preparations.
“There have been a lot of good things and I’ve met a lot of good people every year that I was there,’’ said Smith, who accompanied the Riders to the 1997, 2007, 2009 and 2010 Grey Cup games. “It was an enjoyable career. (Winning) the 2007 Grey Cup was special. Going to all of the Grey Cups was special, but we only won one of the four. Still, I met a lot of great players and coached some good guys.’’
Smith joined the Riders after a 36-year coaching career in Regina. He helped the Regina Rams win three Canadian Junior Football League titles during his five seasons with that PFC team. As a high-school football coach in Regina, he celebrated three city titles and one provincial championship. Smith coached in the Regina Intercollegiate Football League with the Scott Blues, Johnson Wildcats, Thom Trojans and Balfour Redmen.
Smith would like to continue to coach at some level.
“I’m still looking for a job and we’ll see what happens,’’ Smith said. “I’m hoping I can find something in the CFL. If not, then locally here. Unless nobody wants me, then I’m going to coach. I’ve always said that as long I’m enjoying myself and my health is good and I can keep doing what I can on the field without any special considerations, I want to keep coaching. I’ve also prided myself on being able to evaluate players. So, if I can’t coach, I would like to get into evaluating CIS players.’’
No matter what happens, Smith looks back on his time with the Riders with pride.
“I haven’t any regrets,’’ said Smith. “I’ve always worked hard for any coach who I’ve worked for. I was never one to disrespect any coach that I worked for.’’
Chamblin appreciated Smith’s contributions.
“He was here a long time and Alex was an extremely hard worker,’’ Chamblin said. “I told him that I had a vision of where the team needs to go and how we’re going to get there. I restructured the defensive staff because of that, but there isn’t bad thing I can say about Alex. It was plus for him to spend 16 years in one place. It shows the quality of guy he is and how hard he works.’’