HERVEY EXPLAINS THE FIRING

EDMONTON – Saying the Edmonton Eskimos are at a critical stage for their future, general manager Ed Hervey fired head coach Kavis Reed on Monday and said he will bring in a new man who is more like himself."It is my feeling the club is at a stage that is critical to our on-field expectations and this move was necessary,'' Hervey told a news gathering hours after he informed Reed he was gone after three years as head coach. "I have confidence this decision will give our club its best opportunity to compete at a high level heading into the 2014 season.''Hervey said his plan is to appoint a head coach who will bring a structured environment, a unified coaching staff and have the ability to develop players."It's going to be a very thorough and methodical process and I'm going to choose the right coach,'' he said of the search. "Not the right fit, but the right coach. I'm going to get someone who is a little bit more like myself, a little more detailed and structured and not really looking to spend a lot of time with you guys, more time developing the football team.''Hervey, who didn't speak to the media for much of the season, said he's "not certain'' there was much Reed could have done this year to save his job."The record aside, there were other factors in my decision and moving forward I believe when I appoint the next head coach he will have all the qualifications that I want for this team. I believe that this team in some ways under-achieved at times. The record did not reflect the changes we made in the off-season.''He was especially critical of the team's season-long rash of penalties that cost them valuable yards, first downs and points. He said Reed, his staff and the players never resolved that issue "and that was a concern of mine.''Hervey said Reed did a good job of holding players accountable and that despite the dismal record he "saw growth to this roster and I'm excited about 2014 and what it brings.''Several players who attended Hervey's news conference said the team feels bad for Reed's firing, something they as players contributed to. But, said quarterback Mike Reilly, a 4-14 record will result in changes.© Canadian Press