Marcus Crandell is returning to the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an assistant offensive coach.Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press
The Edmonton Eskimos may not be firing offensive coordinator Marcus Crandell, but they have brought him some help.
The Eskimos announced Tuesday they had signed David Kelly as an offensive advisor. Kelly worked with the Eskimos as a guest coach during training camp. He was previously working at the University of Central Florida where he tutored the team's receivers.
"David brings a wealth of offensive knowledge," Edmonton head coach Kavis Reed said in a statement. "He worked with our coaches during training camp to instill offensive concepts and is a good fit as we look to finish our season strong offensively."
Having lost their last game 51-8 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Eskimos have fallen to the bottom of the Canadian Football League's West Division. The offence, under Crandell's handling, has scored the second-fewest points in the league and is struggling for consistency no matter who starts at quarterback – Kerry Joseph, Steven Jyles or Matt Nichols.
Speculation was rampant following the Hamilton loss that Crandell may be fired. Reed said he was not interested in replacing coaches. Instead, he hired Kelly, who comes with more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience having worked with receivers Terrell Owens, Hines Ward and former Eskimo Kelly Campbell.
Edmonton hosts the West Division-leading B.C. Lions on Saturday.