Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that head coach Charlie Taaffe has hired Gregg Butler as Defensive Backs Coach and Dave Easley as Special Teams Coordinator.
“Having worked with both Gregg and Dave, I know that they bring a tremendous amount of experience to our team having seen the game as players and coaches,” said Taaffe. “Gregg is an outstanding teacher and establishes great rapport with his players and Dave possesses great knowledge of CFL rules, particularly in the kicking game.”
Butler becomes the Ticats defensive backs coach after assuming the same role with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2006. Under Butler’s tutelage, the Bombers’ secondary improved dramatically as Winnipeg’s defence surrendered the second fewest passing yards against and third fewest rushing yards against.
The Ticats are Butler’s fourth CFL team following stints as defensive backs coach with the Bombers, the Montreal Alouettes (1999-2001) and the Toronto Argonauts (1998). Butler enjoyed a four-year CFL playing career with the Edmonton Eskimos (1978-1980) and the Alouettes (1981). He was named a CFL All-Star three times.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere to be a part of,” said Butler. “There are talented, young players on this team and I am really looking forward to working with them.”
Easley brings over two decades of coaching experience to the Black and Gold, with this season being his 15th in the CFL. Easley has previously worked for the Argonauts (1991), B.C. Lions (1993-1999), Alouettes (2000-2001), Ottawa Renegades (2002-2004) and Blue Bombers (2005) in various defensive and special teams coaching capacities.
In 2006, Easley served as an advisor to defensive backs coach and special teams coach for the University of Manitoba. Easley is the only coach in Canadian football history to capture a national championship at the junior, university, and professional football levels.
Easley also played eight seasons in the CFL as a defensive back with the Lions (1969-1972), Ticats (1973-1976) and Edmonton Eskimos (1976). He was named the CFL’s Top Rookie in 1969.
“I’m excited to return to Hamilton and be reunited with coach Taaffe,” said Easley. “After spending four seasons in Hamilton as a player, I know this is a team with a great tradition of physical toughness.”
Both coaches previously served under Taaffe when he was head coach of the Alouettes.
About the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 137-year history, which includes 42 Canadian Football Hall of Famers and 15 Grey Cup Championships. For more information log onto www.ticats.ca
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