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CALGARY — John Hufnagel plans to introduce some law and order to the most penalized team in the CFL.
The 56-year-old has returned to the Calgary Stampeders to coach and manage a team for which he has both played quarterback and served as offensive co-ordinator during his football career.
Hufnagel's long-rumoured hiring as head coach and GM was announced Monday at McMahon Stadium.
Reports of the move surfaced even before the Stampeders' season ended with a loss to Saskatchewan in the West Division semifinal Nov. 11.
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Hufnagel replaced Tom Higgins, whose three-year run as head coach ended last month. Higgins was offered a front-office job, but turned it down because he wanted to continue coaching.
The 7-10-1 Stampeders had one of the most potent offences in the CFL, but constantly negated yardage gains with penalties and turnovers.
"We will strive to eliminate what I call bad football that cursed this team last year," Hufnagel said. "Somehow and some way we will learn to play the game by the rules. We will protect the football and we will play aggressive, solid base defence.
"If the players in this locker-room can accomplish that, great. If not, some change will be needed."
Former GM Jim Barker remains with the club as director of player personnel and vice-president of football operations.
The key to getting Hufnagel to return to the club was giving him the title of GM, in addition to that of head coach.
"It think one voice is the way to go," Hufnagel said. "Obviously someone in that position needs great help and that's what I'm going to try and accomplish.
"I think Jim Barker is a very valuable asset and I look forward to working with Jim."
The entire coaching staff will be replaced with the exception of offensive co-ordinator George Cortez, who remains with the club.
Hufnagel's most recent job in football was offensive co-ordinator of the NFL's New York Giants from 2004 to 2006.
He's also been quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns and worked with quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
"To be able to get him to come back here and re-trench himself in the CFL with all the experience he has gained in the NFL .ƒ{.ƒ{. he's a tremendous leader," Stampeders president Ted Hellard.
"I can tell you that personally, it's a weight off my shoulders. There will be tremendous clarity on where he's headed and what he's going to achieve."
Hufnagel groomed quarterbacks Doug Flutie and Jeff Garcia when he was the Stamps' offensive co-ordinator from 1990 to '96 and helped Calgary reach three Grey Cups — winning one of them in 1992 — during that span.
He was Stampeders quarterback himself from 1976 to '79, but won a Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1984.
Now Hufnagel will work with Henry Burris, the leading touchdown passer in the league.
Hufnagel says a tape of Burris, then playing for Temple, came across his desk in 1996 and he told then-coach Wally Buono, "I think we should pursue this quarterback."
"It was his athleticism and his lively arm," Hufnagel said. "It doesn't surprise me that Henry's had the success he's had in the CFL.
"I think George has done an excellent job with Henry this past year and I expect him to take a step forward next year."
Defensive back Scott Coe was pleased that Hufnagel will make discipline a priority.
"That fact that he addressed it in one of the very first things he said is great," Coe said. "Penalties hurt us in every game we were playing in."
Hufnagel had been living in Florida, but returns to Calgary with wife Penny. His three children were born in Calgary.
