ESKIMOS EXTEND JONES

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Eskimos announced on Saturday the contract extension of head coach Chris Jones for the 2016 season.

Jones was originally hired by the CFL club in November of 2013. In his first season with Edmonton, the Eskimos went 12-6 in the regular season. They beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Division semifinal before bowing out of the post-season to the eventual Grey Cup champion Calgary Stampeders in the West Division final.

“Chris is passionate, driven and well deserving of this extension,” said Ed Hervey, Eskimos vice president of football operations and general manager.

“Stability paves the way for consistency. Under Chris’s leadership, and with the work of his coaching staff, our team is headed in the right direction.”

Jones also served as Edmonton’s defensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the team led the league in fewest first downs allowed, fewest net passing yards per game, interceptions, lowest points against and fewest points allowed.

He was selected as a finalist for the 2014 CFL coach of the year award.

(The Canadian Press)