The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have hired Tim Burke as the foootball clubs defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

 

Burke spent the past three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach where he won two Grey Cup championships. Last season, the Als finished in the top three in 14 defensive categories including first in allowing the fewest net rushing yards (1,738) and most interceptions (25). In 2009, his defense dominated the CFL, setting a team record with just 324 points allowed and finished first in 21 of 25 defensive categories.

 

 



Prior to joining the Alouettes, Burke spent three seasons on the Calgary Stampeders’ coaching staff as their defensive backs coach. He was also named defensive coordinator halfway through his final year.

Burke will take over a unit in Winnipeg that finished 2010 first in the league for allowing the fewest net passing yards (4,580), most quarterback sacks (51) and second for fewest yards net offense (6,203).

Before entering the CFL, Burke spent over 20 years in the NCAA in various defensive coaching roles. He spent time with Indiana State University, the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga and Kansas State University after three seasons as the defensive backs coach at Purdue University. While with the Boilermakers, Burke’s secondary turned into a significant weapon, allowing just 193.7 yards per game in 1998 while intercepting 23 passes in 1997 – the second most in school history. Previously, Burke spent two years at the University of Wyoming where he coached the secondary. His 1995 unit led the WAC in pass defense.

 

 

 

 

The Bombers also announced that defensive line coach Richard Harris will add the title of assistant head coach for the upcoming season.

 

 

 

 

Harris has been a member of Winnipeg’s coaching staff since 2006 when the Bombers defense finished in the top three in 14 defensive categories including fewest net yards rushing allowed (1,673), most quarterback sacks (43) and fewest average yards per gain rushing (4.7 yards). Doug Brown was named runner-up for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award and Gavin Walls followed up his CFL Rookie of the Year season by leading the team in sacks with 11 and was named an East Division All-Star.

 

 

coaches photos courtesy www.bluebombers.com