McCall takes on new role with Thunder

By Tim Switzer, Leader-Post
April 10, 2009

REGINA -- Shawn McCall answered the call.

McCall is set to take over as the Regina Thunder’s defensive co-ordinator during the upcoming Prairie Football Conference season.

The change was made necessary when Craig Zimmer, who held the post the last three seasons, was forced to step down due to new family responsibilities. Zimmer plans to remain involved with the team in some capacity though the details have yet to be worked out.

“When you get something new like this, you don’t always know everything you want to know, but certainly I’m very excited,” said McCall, who spent last season as the team’s defensive backs coach and will also hold that job in 2009. “I’ve got good people around me who will help out.”

McCall, however, will have his work cut out for him.

In 2008, the Thunder gave up 32.5 points (the second most in the eight-team loop) and 405 yards per game (204 passing, 196 rushing) en route to a 2-5-1 record that left them out of the postseason.

Even before the change at the top was made, Regina’s defensive coaches had agreed they would make changes to the Thunder system to tap into their players’ strengths.

“We weren’t good enough last year,” said McCall. “We had a couple of very good games and a couple games where we didn’t (play well). We wanted to figure out how to make it so we’re better. So there will be some changes, but there will also be some constants.”

But the pressure will not all be on McCall, who plans to run the defence by committee. Though he has only one year of experience with the team, the defensive staff also includes defensive line coaches Craig Hammond, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Thunder, and Morgan Bunce, who is entering his fifth campaign. The Thunder has also hired Derek Lamer, who will work with the linebackers, a post vacated by Zimmer.

“It would have been nice to have five or six years under my belt because last year I was so focused on my own position,” said McCall. “I threw in my opinions when needed, but I don’t believe I really studied up on the line or the linebackers so it’s going to be important that it’s a group effort as I get to know what we’re doing in those positions. I’m going to need the support of those guys as we figure out a plan.”

McCall spent 21 seasons coaching minor and high school football — mostly with the Riffel Royals — before joining the Thunder last season. McCall spent two seasons before that working with the team’s board of directors while his son, Bryce, was Regina’s starting safety.

“Shawn is a good teacher, a good coach and a good listener,” said Thunder head coach Erwin Klempner. “All of our coaches have a lot of experience and together they’ll come up with a package that meets the needs of our players and we’ll do well.”

McCall becomes the second first-year PFC co-ordinator who will roam the sidelines for the Thunder in 2009. Earlier this offseason, Stefan Endsin was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive co-ordinator when Gerry Thompson stepped down after three seasons.

“Change is going to happen, one way or another,” said Klempner. “Bottom line is, both people who are co-ordinators have been in the program. The wheel wasn’t broken, but it was time for Craig and Gerry to move on. That’s the way we’re looking at it.”

tswitzer@leaderpost.canwest.com