Hufnagel named Stampeders new coach, GM
John Hufnagel is the new head coach and general manager of the Calgary Stampeders, the CFL club announced at a news conference on Monday.
Hufnagel, a former Stampeders quarterback from 1976-79 and offensive co-ordinator from 1990-96, takes over coaching duties from Tom Higgins, whose three-year tenure ended last month.
"John has a long relationship with the Stampeder organization, myself, and members of our ownership group. His success on the field as both a player and a coach speaks for itself," team president Ted Hellard said.
The hiring of Hufnagel wasn't much of a secret. Since mid-November, reports in Calgary suggested Hufnagel had agreed to a long-term deal to become the team's general manager and coach.
Terms of Hufnagel's contract were not released.
Former GM Jim Barker will remain in the organization as director of player personnel and vice-president of football operations. Offensive co-ordinator George Cortez willstay on board, while the status of the rest of the coaching staff is still up in the air.
The Stampeders posted a 7-10-1 record this season and lost to Saskatchewan in the West Division semifinal. Despite finishing among the league's best in several offensive categories, Calgary was the worst when it came to turnovers and penalties.
"We will strive to eliminate what I call bad football that cursed this team last year," Hufnagel said. "Somehow and some way, we will learn to play the game by the rules. We will protect the football and we will play aggressive, solid base defence.
"If the players in this locker room can accomplish that, great. If not, some change will be needed."
Hufnagel, who was most recently with the New York Giants as offensive co-ordinator from 2004-06, is known for his high-octane offensive philosophy. He helped develop the effective five-to-six receiver formation in the 1990s that sprung quarterbacks Doug Flutie, Jeff Garcia and Dave Dickenson into the CFL, and subsequently NFL, spotlight.
Hufnagel also served as head coach and GM of the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League and has been a quarterbacks coach with several NFL clubs during his career.