Q: You got your first win as an offensive coordinator last week against the Roughriders. Explain that feeling you get after a ‘W’, now that you’re a coach. Does a win feel the same as a coordinator on the sidelines calling the plays as it did as a player on the field?
KJ: It almost felt like being a kid versus being a parent. You’re as happy for the guys as you are for yourself. Especially as a coach, you know? Because these players put a lot of work in and it’s nice seeing it pay off.
Q: After that 0-2 start to the season, what message were you stressing to the offence at practice and in meetings to keep everyone focused and confident?
KJ: What we were stressing has stayed the same. To enjoy the process and to work hard and good things will come. It’s hard when you’re losing to realize that, but the guys, to their credit, they stuck in there and they’ll continue to do that. So the message stayed the same. Play hard and play the game.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned, on a personal level, through the first three games?
KJ: That I can’t control everything that happens out there. I just have to call the best plays that I can for the situation and let the players do their thing.
Q: Discuss what you’ve seen from Chris Williams so far. He had a bad drop and a fumble against the Eskimos. And then he bounces back and answers with a two touchdown performance in his next game. What does that say about Williams as a player?
KJ: He’s a good football player that wants to get better. He wants to win. We see it it in him and that’s why we still had trust in him despite having a few problems in Edmonton. He’s going to continue to play well for us.
Q: Bakari Grant got his first CFL start last week and showed flashes of that big-play ability that we saw at training camp and in the pre-season. Explain his role in the offence.
KJ: I like the way we use him in the offence. He’s a big receivier and we want to try and get him the ball in different situations. We just missed him on a couple of big plays last week. He’s also from one of the best schools ever, UC-Davis (laughs). But yes, he is a good football player and just like Chris, he’ll continue to get better.
Q: You and Bakari are both former Aggies as you alluded to. Have you guys got the opportunity to chat and share some stories?
KJ: (Laughs) Well, the head coach that’s there was my head coach too, so we have that in common. And there’s still a couple of coaches there. So yeah, we talk about it from time to time. He wore his Davis gear during camp so that was nice to see.
Q: As an offensive coordinator, it must be a treat to have a versatile guy like Marcus Thigpen at your disposal. Why was he so effective last week against Saskatchewan?
KJ: He’s just a good football player. We just tried to find ways to get him the ball and he has that innate ability to find holes and make people miss. He’s fun to watch.
Q: You had to settle for some early field goals last week. What do you need to do to convert in the red zone?
KJ: We just have to be clear on what everybody needs to do and then when the ball comes to you, you make the play. We got real close, but I like the fact nobody got their head down and we eventually converted.
Q: You’ve got B.C. coming up this Friday. They’ve got some pretty talented guys on that defence. Who has stood out to you in film sessions as a guy to watch?
KJ: There are a few guys. Banks, number 24, is always tough. You always have to keep track of where he is. Elimimian, number 56, he likes to hit people and number 97 on the edge, Brent Johnson, he’s playing well. They’ve got a lot of good players over there.
Q: What is the offence going to have to do this week to put points on the board and ensure the Ticats leave British Columbia with a ‘W’?
KJ: You know what, just the same thing we did last week. Take it one play at a time and enjoy yourself. I want the guys to enjoy themselves out there. If they do that, if they play like they practice, then we’ll be fine.
