He Came, He Saw, He Won, He Left

So, as the entire province must know by now, Coach Kent Austin has decided to leave the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization in favor of his former alma matter, Ole Miss, where he has accepted the offensive co-ordinator's position. Through 1981 to 1985, Austin played quarterback there. There are those who support his decision in going home after an incredible first year of coaching the Riders, and those who say he should've honoured his CFL contract with the organization and stayed.

Both sides make good points, but I can't help but feel that this whole situation is incredibly poetic, and somewhat for the best.

Just hear me out before you start flaming me right away, fellow hardcore Rider fans. Let's look at this from a bird's-eye view for a few moments. Kent, in his very first year as head coach, took our team all the way to the Grey Cup final, and WON IT. In Toronto, at the SkyDome, and 18 years after Austin himself won it as the MVP quarterback for the Riders in the same venue no less. The definite end to a seemingly never-ending swan song for the long-troubled Riders. The team was proud, the club was proud, and the entire province of Saskatchewan was proud. The Riders win the Grey Cup after 18 years, and Saskatchewan elects a new government after 16 years. What a Merry Christmas it was.

So now, roughly two months later, Austin has now made the difficult decision to leave. While many in Saskatchewan are sad and distraught over the news, I for one see this as an opportunity for the Riders to step up, keep the momentum going, and not allow themselves to rest on their laurels after the Grey Cup win. Whoever assumes the position of new Rider Head Coach (many eyes are on defensive coordinator Richie Hall right now) may have some big shoes to fill, but I believe that what Austin did with and for the team will remain there for years to come, even if he was with us for only one season.

As the title says...

He came.
He saw.
He won.
He left.

On behalf of your legions of fans Kent, I'd like to take the opportunity to say "Thank You" and that Rider fans won't ever forget what you've done for the team. Good luck at your former stomping grounds of Ole Miss, and all the best in the future.

Keep 'em laughin',
Derek