Ottawa BlackJacks, RedBlacks round out coaching staff ahead of upcoming seasons
Posted Apr 25, 2022 09:22:19 PM.
The Ottawa BlackJacks and The Ottawa RedBlacks have rounded out their coaching staff ahead of their respective upcoming seasons.
The BlackJacks have named Tom Johnson as their assistance lead coach, after he spent the past 20 years coaching various first and second division leagues across Europe, including in Finland, Germany, and Turkey.
The Victoria, British Columbia native played in multiple European leagues before transitioning to coaching.
“Tom is an amazing addition to our team. Not only will he bring his international experience to Ottawa, but he will also be a great resource for our players,” BlackJacks general manager and vice president Jevohn Shepherd said in a statement. “He is a great leader with strong technical knowledge who has the ability to bring out the best in each player.”
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Redblacks have added veteran defensive line coach Mike Phair to the coaching staff, along former Carleton Ravens interim head coach Paul Eddy Saint-Vilien as a defensive assistant.
Phair has previously worked as a scout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks. Saint-Vilien has spent the last four years with the Carleton Ravens, most recently as interim head coach and defensive coordinator.
The club also announced on Monday, April 25, that it's former defensive line coach Carey Bailey has left the organization to take a position outside of football.
The Ottawa BlackJacks will be kicking on their season on Wednesday, May 25, while the Ottawa RedBlacks' first regular season game is slated for Friday, June 17.
