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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Austin Earns CFL Coach of the Year Honors
2/27/2008 | Football
CALGARY -- Former Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Kent Austin, now with the Ole Miss football staff, has been named 2007 Canadian Football League Coach of the Year. Austin was awarded the Annis Stukus Trophy Wednesday at the annual Coach of the Year Luncheon held at the Hyatt Hotel in Calgary.
"This richly deserved honor for Kent is the culmination of a truly magical season," said Roughriders General Manager Eric Tillman, who happens to be an Ole Miss alumnus. "At every level, our team reflected Kent's character, confidence and his tremendous work ethic.
"This is also a special day for our assistant coaches, players and staff as success is a collective effort. With Kent's leadership, we climbed the mountain together."
Austin, who joined the Ole Miss staff as offensive coordinator in January, led the Roughriders to a 12-6 record during the regular season, the teams highest win total since 1970 and secured the Riders first home playoff game since 1988. The Green and White then went on to capture their third Grey Cup championship and first since 1989.
"It's awkward to be accepting an individual award in a sport that is the ultimate team sport," stated Austin. "I was just a small part of the success and simply got too much credit.
"In the end I was blessed to be a part of an organization that got it; work with coaches who were smart and dedicated; and players who understood the value of working hard as a team. It was a magical year and I was lucky to be a part of it."
Under Austin's leadership, the Riders had two players named to the CFL all-star team and Kerry Joseph was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player, the first Roughrider to claim the top player award since quarterback Ron Lancaster in 1976.
Austin becomes just the fifth head coach in Roughrider history to win the award and first since 1989. He joins John Gregory (1989), Joe Faragalli (1981), Eagle Keys (1968), and Steve Owen (1962).
The CFL Coach of the Year is annually selected by the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and is awarded to the coach whom most demonstrates exceptional leadership, dedication and excellence during the regular season.
The award is named in honour of the late Annis Stukus, who coached the Edmonton Eskimos and the B.C. Lions and later became a member of the FRC.
