After consecutive 4-14 records, the weight of expectation is firmly on Jones's shoulders as he enters the third season of the reported four-year deal he signed in December 2021. And the biggest sign of that sense of urgency was the addition of veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
The '21 Hec Crighton Trophy winner's dynamic skill set and athleticism gave Elks supporters hope for a franchise that last reached the CFL playoffs in 2019. Jones isn't the only CFL official who'll be on the hot seat this season. Shawn Burke is also entering his third season as the Ottawa Redblacks GM looking to end a lengthy playoff drought.
Dominique Rhymes, twice a 1,000-yard receiver, also returned to Ottawa following three seasons with the B.C. Lions. Rhymes began his CFL career with the Redblacks . Bob Dyce enters his second full season as head coach but his future in Ottawa is invariably tied to Burke. Rick Campbell, B.C.'s head coach/co-GM, is safe after leading the club to consecutive 12-6 records and West Division final berths. But expectations are high for the Lions, with the '24 Grey Cup being played at B.C. Place Stadium in November.A turnaround is expected in Regina after the Saskatchewan Roughriders, for the second straight season, lost their final seven games and missed the playoffs. Head coach Craig Dickenson's contract was not renewed.