Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Tuesday afternoon marked a new chapter in the long and storied history of North America’s oldest sports franchise, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Tuesday’s press conference introduced Hamilton’s new Head Coach, George Cortez to the media and public alike, and also provided the first opportunity for the team’s new quarterback, Henry Burris to don the Black and Gold.
Burris and Cortez have a long and very successful history together; most notably in 2008 when Burris threw for over 5,000 yards and helped Calgary capture the Grey Cup. In fact, the three year period that Cortez was Burris’ offensive coordinator from 2007-09 are, on average, the three best combined seasons of his career.
On average, Burris threw for 4,734 yards and 32 touchdowns in his three seasons under coach Cortez. Compared to passers in 2011, that would rank third in the CFL in yardage and tied for first in touchdown passes.
During his tenure in Calgary George Cortez also had the chance to coach some of the CFL’s best quarterbacks to some of their most successful seasons in their careers.
| 1998 | Jeff Garcia | 4,276 yards, 28 toucdowns, CFL All-Star |
| 2000 | Dave Dickenson | 4,636 yards, 36 touchdowns, CFL All-Star, CFL Most Outstanding Player |
| 2001 | Marcus Crandell | 3,407 yards, 14 touchdowns, Grey Cup Champ |
| 2008 | Henry Burris | 5,094 yards, 39 touchdowns, West Division Most Outstanding Player, Grey Cup Champ, Grey Cup MVP |
What people are saying about George Cortez:
“He’s the most significant force in my development as a player, he’s an incredible teacher of the game.” – Henry Burris
“George Cortez’s reputation as a coach proceeds him, and I love the fact that George and Henry Burris are already very familiar with one another. This is as exciting a start to an offseason in Hamilton as I can remember.” – Bob Bratina, Mayor of Hamilton
“George did an excellent job during his time with us and I want to offer my congratulations to him in his new role as head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. We’re excited for him with this new opportunity and wish him the best of luck.” – Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey
“I’ve had a chance to introduce myself to George and even though I don’t know him personally, I’ve heard from players that he’s an excellent offensive mind and teacher of the game, so I’m just excited to learn our new offense and get down to work.” – Tiger-Cats receiver Dave Stala
“His work ethic is unquestionable and he has all kinds of experience in all kinds of football. He just understands football players … and just because this is his first head-coaching job doesn’t mean he won’t be any good at it.” – Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel via Toronto Sun
