Morris: Jackson adjusting to life behind the curtain

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The game has remained the same for Jarious Jackson but just about everything else has changed for the B.C. Lions’ rookie quarterbacks coach.

For Jackson, the transition from player to coach is like an actor leaving the stage and suddenly finding himself part of the production crew. 

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“Nothing has surprised me except for the fact of being behind the curtain instead of standing in front of it,” the former quarterback said during a break from the Lions’ training camp in Kamloops, B.C.

“It’s everything I have expected and then some.”

Training camp can be physically demanding on players as they fight for jobs. While Jackson’s body hasn’t taken a pounding this year he has found camp more mentally exhausting.

“One of the biggest things is showing up and not putting on the pads and being in the locker room with the guys,” he said. “My body is not sore. It’s more mentally demanding.

“The hours are longer. We spend a whole lot more time looking over plays and trying to strategize as opposed to being a player and just showing up and trying to execute the game plan that has been developed.”

Jackson, a native of Tupelo, Miss., spent eight years in the CFL – seven of them with the Lions – and won three Grey Cup rings. He helped the Toronto Argonauts win last year’s 100th Grey Cup at Rogers Centre but was released in February. 

When BC coach Mike Benevides called offering him a job, Jackson knew his career had reached a cross roads.

“I felt like I could play at least another year to two years,” said the 36-year-old father of two. “The opportunity (to coach) was almost too good to turn down.

“I took a few months to think about it. I really came to grips with walking away from the game for good as far as being a player. I can live vicariously through the guys who I help further their career. I still have an hand in football.”

Jackson’s role as a quarterbacks coach is part teacher, part sounding board. His experience has taught him about reading defences and when to get rid of the ball in a hurry. He’s also smart enough to understand what worked for him, and his style, might not suit another player.

“Each guy has their own particular skill set,” said Jackson. “At the same time, when it comes to reads, all the quarterbacks need to have the same reads. How they deliver the ball is something different.

“If a guy is getting the ball there, you don’t suddenly change the throwing motion he’s been using for 15 years. If there is something you can help to improve his accuracy . . .(you) do so.”

A football team can also be like a school that houses different grades. A veteran quarterback like Travis Lulay might understand calculus while a newcomer to the Canadian game like Chris Hart is still trying to grasp simple math.

“I can say something to Travis one time and he will make the proper adjustments,” said Jackson.

“Someone like Chris, who just got here and is just learning the offence, you have to start at ground zero with him.”

So far Benevides has been impressed with Jackson’s move from the field to the sidelines.

“When you take a look at his relationship with Travis, his understanding of our offensive system, I think he’s done a wonderful job in finding a way to fit in,” said the second-year head coach.

“He’s been able to bring more out of those guys. He brings a different level of energy. He’s not too far removed from playing the game so he brings a lot of different skill sets to the table.”

Many of the current Lions were once teammates with Jackson. Some of the dynamics in those relationships will change not that he blows a whistle.

Benevides understands it’s not always an easy transformation.

“There are certain, inherited complexities in that,” he said. “There has to be mutual respect so the lines don’t get blurred. Someone is the coach, someone is the player.

“You have to have the makeup that Jarious has and the natural respect from the players toward Jarious. They understand he has a job to do. If it ever gets blurred, he’s smart enough to know he’s here to coach and get the most out of them.”

As a player Jackson had no problem when teammates like Mark Washington, Kelly Bates and Barron Miles made the move to coaching. He expects the current players to show him the same respect.

“I’m fine if they call me coach,” said Jackson. “I’m fine with them calling me by my nickname.”

“On the flip side, I know those guys respect me.”

Jackson spent two years as a starter at Notre Dame where he set school records for passing yards (2,753), attempts (316) and completions (184) during the 1999 season. He was drafted by the NFL Denver Broncos before joining the Lions as a free agent in 2004.

Much of Jackson’s CFL career was spent as a backup for players like Dave Dickenson, Buck Pierce and Lulay. He had the temperament to accept his role and played well when called upon. In 126 games Jackson completed 571 of 1,054 passes for 7,878 yards, 55 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.

Jackson started four games for the Argos last year, which raises the question could he dress this season if the Lions run into injury problems?

“I don’t see that,” said Benevides. “Certainly that’s not in the plan.”

When he played, Jackson was used to practice and film sessions. As a coach, he’s learning the time spent on the field is actually just a small part of his day.

“I think the most shocking thing when I first came in was the amount of time that goes into each and everything that is done,” he said.

“Right now we have a 1 p.m. meeting. Most (players) are back in their room asleep. But we have a staff meeting and I’m late for it.”