The Edmonton Eskimos’ long search for an offensive line coach has ended. The team announced on Thursday morning that it has hired Jonathan Himebauch for the job and added the role of run game co-ordinator to his title.
Before he went 15-years deep into a coaching career, Himebauch suited up as an O-lineman and long-snapper at the University of Southern California. In 1994, he played with Eskimos general manager Ed Hervey, who was a receiver for the Trojans at the time.
Himebauch’s CFL roots extend back to 2003, when he coached the Calgary Stampeders’ O-line. He had the same role in Montreal from 2009 to 2011, helping the Alouettes to Grey Cup wins in 2009 and 2010. Himebauch spent the previous two seasons coaching the offensive line at Wake Forest University and was with San Diego State from 2006 to 2008. He’s also coached at UNLV and Santa Barbara City College.
Thursday’s hiring brings a months-long search to an end for the Eskimos, who were the second-worst team in the league when it came to protecting their quarterbacks in 2013. The Eskimos gave up 60 sacks and the offensive line was a hot button issue for Hervey all season long. The Eskimos’ run game suffered last year as well, as the team rushed for 1,763 net yards and carried the ball 307 times; both the fifth-most in the league.
Head coach Chris Jones announced the bulk of his coaching staff on Jan. 28 and has one piece of the puzzle left. He’s still searching for a linebackers coach.
