Winless Edmonton Elks fire head coach and general manager Chris Jones

It has been clear for some time, and now the change has been made: Chris Jones is no longer with the Edmonton Elks.

On Monday, the team announced that it has relieved its head coach and general manager of their duties. Geroy Simon will take over as interim general manager and offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Jarious Jackson will become interim head coach.

“Chris has worked extremely hard to improve our football team over the last few seasons and we thank him for that,” said Rick LeLacheur, president and CEO of the Elks. “There is no doubt that we are a better team today than we were in the previous two seasons, but ultimately this is a results-based business and the wins have not been coming.”

“It’s always difficult to make such significant changes during the season, but we owe it to everyone in the organization and all of our fans to hold people accountable when we don’t achieve what we’re trying to achieve. The season is still long and we expect Geroy and Jarious to help our players reach their full potential.”

– Elks President and CEO Rick LeLacheur

Jones’ first run in Edmonton was memorable, leading the team to two winning seasons and a Grey Cup title in 2015 after just two seasons. He spent the next three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, compiling a 27-27 record with winning seasons in his final two years there.

His second stint with the Elks was not exactly ideal, with him posting a mere 8-33 record. Edmonton started the season with an 0-5 record before Monday’s move, and its last four losses were by three points.

Jackson is in his second stint with the team. He previously served as offensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts and BC Lions. The team added that Jackson will continue to be the playmaker on offense.

Simon has been the assistant general manager since 2022 and has spent the last seven years in the BC Lions’ front office. This is his first time as general manager. He holds the CFL record for most receiving yards in a career with 16,352 yards.

It’s a short week for the Elks as they have a rematch against the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night after losing to the Redblacks on Sunday.

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