(Ottawa) The Ottawa Rouge et Noir expects to win and its managers believe Shawn Burke is the man for the job.
Burke was officially introduced as the new chief executive at a press conference on Monday.
Burke is only the second person to hold this position with the Rouge et Noir – after Marcel Desjardins – since the team was founded in 2014. Desjardins was dismissed for his services towards the end of October.
The Rouge et Noir were 3-11 in 2021. By the last full season in 2019, the team ended the campaign with a 3-15 record.
A native of Guelph, Ont., Burke has spent the past 15 years with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Since 2019, he acted as co-manager of football operations with Drew Allemang.
He is one of 10 candidates interviewed for the post. Le Rouge et Noir had identified 25 potential candidates to succeed Desjardins.
Burke said success starts with creating a culture of victory, which the Ottawa homeowner group is committed to do, he says.
“It’s all about the connection,” said Burke. I had other opportunities this season. What I’ve learned from my mentors is that it all starts at the top of the pyramid with the owners. ”
While several general managers prefer to hire their own coach, Burke seems ready to offer Paul LaPolice a chance.
LaPolice was hired in 2019, but he has only just completed his first campaign at the helm of the Rouge et Noir, due to the cancellation of the 2020 season.
Burke said he will personally contact each player on contract not only to bond, but also to make sure they understand his expectations.
“I think we have to define the DNA of a Red and Black player… and not deviate from its few central principles,” said Burke.
Burke has not moved forward on questions of what changes he believes are necessary. He preferred to come back to the fact that the team will build the right culture by finding the right players.