Corey Chamblin introduces new Roughriders coaching staff

After dumping George Cortez and Richie Hall in the off-season, Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin introduced some new additions to his coaching staff on Monday.

Jacques Chapdelaine takes over at offensive coordinator and will serve at the team's quarterbacks coach. Greg Quick was named the Riders new defensive boss in January.

Receivers coach Jason Tucker and running backs coach Avon Cobourne are both returning to the Roughriders.

Perhaps the biggest announcement on Monday was the addition of defensive line coach Mike Sinclair. The Riders hired Sinclair in 2013, but he left quickly after being offered a job as the Chicago Bears defensive line coach. Sinclair said he hopes to bring out "more mental toughness."

"Let's put these players in a position where they can be players, but hold their feet to the fire and hold them accountable," Sinclair said. "That itself will make a person better."

Chamblin jokingly suggested there should be a Mike Sinclair countdown in case he tries to leave before the season starts.

"He's excited. He's fired up. He's ready," Chamblin said. "He's had some great experiences that have helped him grow as a coach."

Rounding out the defensive staff is Tony Missick (defensive backs) and Tyrone Pettaway (linebackers).

Bob Dyce, who took a lot of criticism from fans this off-season, returns as the team's special teams coordinator. Cory McDiarmid, who spent last season with Winnipeg as linebackers coach, returns to the Riders as a special teams assistant.

Joining Chapdelaine on offence is Dan Dorazio. Dorazio, who spent the past 12 seasons with the BC Lions, takes over as offensive line coach.

When looking for coaches, Chamblin said he looked for characteristics similar to his own, like aggressiveness.

"Also, they have strong characteristics in places where I may not be as strong," he said.