Edmonton coach caught by new operations cap

EDMONTON — Mike Benevides is the latest casualty of the new CFL non-player operations cap.

The Edmonton Eskimos announced Friday that Benevides will not be returning to Jason Maas’ coaching staff for the 2019 season.

Benevides had been the team’s assistant head coach and defensive co-ordinator since Maas took over as Eskimos head coach in 2016.

Prior to joining the Eskimos, Benevides spent three seasons as head coach of the B.C. Lions (2012-14).

“I will truly miss the amazing fan base and people of Edmonton, the relationships I’ve built with the players and all those in the Edmonton Eskimo organization, as well as working for Jason,” the Toronto native said.

The cap, set at just under $2.59 million for the next two seasons, has already had a marked effect.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders said the team and assistant vice-president of football operations and player personnel John Murphy were parting ways.

On Thursday, the Montreal Alouettes announced they were not renewing the contracts of defensive back coach Billy Parker, receivers coach Jason Tucker, assistant offensive line coach Chris Mosley and defensive assistant coach Cris Dishman. Scouts Eric Deslauriers and Russ Lande were also not retained.