Chris Morris, a former CFL player who spent his entire 14-year career with the Edmonton team, has taken on a new role as the president of the Edmonton Elks. Having won three Grey Cups and being part of the team’s Ring of Honour, Morris is determined to bring back the family values that he believes the franchise has lost over the years. He expressed his desire to build a championship-level football team that competes for Grey Cups every year, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture that values everyone from the players on the field to the front office staff.
Morris, who has also been involved in rebuilding the University of Alberta Golden Bears’ football program, has witnessed the team’s struggle to maintain continuity and nurture talent. He highlighted the high turnover of players and staff over the last few years as a major issue that has affected the team’s performance and fan support. Morris promised to put an end to the revolving door of players and create stability within the organization, allowing fans to connect with the team and build a stronger foundation for success.
One of Morris’s priorities is to find a permanent general manager for the team, as Geroy Simon has been serving as interim GM. Under Simon’s leadership, the team showed improvement after a poor start to the season, but Morris is committed to finding the best candidate for the role. He mentioned that both Simon and interim coach Jarious Jackson have done a commendable job, but a thorough search will be conducted to ensure the right person is chosen to lead the franchise moving forward.
Rich LeLacheur, who served as the team’s interim president and CEO, played a key role in facilitating the transition to private ownership under team owner Larry Thompson. With Morris’s appointment, LeLacheur’s tenure comes to an end, but he will continue to mentor Morris during the transition period. LeLacheur praised Morris for his qualities, noting his resemblance to former team president Hugh Campbell, who was also a teacher, coach, and player in addition to his executive role.
The search for a permanent general manager is set to conclude by November 24, giving Morris time to consider all potential candidates. While both Simon and Jackson are being considered for the position, Morris stressed the importance of finding the right person to lead the team and bring success back to the franchise. With a focus on building a championship-caliber team and instilling a culture of stability and continuity, Morris is looking to make significant changes within the organization to achieve long-term success.
Morris’s vision for the Edmonton Elks is centered around creating a culture of excellence and valuing everyone within the organization. Drawing on his experience as a player, coach, and educator, he is determined to bring back the winning tradition that the team was known for in the past. By prioritizing continuity, stability, and a commitment to excellence, Morris aims to build a team that Edmonton fans can be proud of and support for years to come.
