Hogan runs it back with Bombers

Imagine landing your dream job, only to be demoted a year later and watch someone else step into the role.

Would you remain with that organization and play nice with your replacement? Most probably wouldn’t.

But that’s what Jason Hogan is doing.

In 2025, he was calling the shots on offence for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This year, the 40-year-old is back to his original position as running backs coach.

After all the inconsistency last season, CFL veteran Tommy Condell was hired this winter to take over as offensive co-ordinator.

“It’s part of the business. We all have a shelf life,” said Hogan after Tuesday’s practice as the Bombers prepare to open the season Friday in Calgary.

“When you sign up, you know what to expect, and the reality is we weren’t good enough. So here I am.

“There was no awkwardness. It’s a professional organization, top-down, and the reason why I’m standing here in front of you today.”

Both head coach Mike O’Shea and Condell said Tuesday they were thrilled he agreed to remain on staff.

“We talk about being teammates here, fitting in, and that kind of stuff, and he’s exhibiting that. I want to make sure that my sons learn that,” said Condell.

“He’s going to do anything it takes to be a great teammate and be able to help this team win and help me individually (by) being here. So I want my sons to learn from him.”

If there’s any bitterness from Hogan, he isn’t showing it.

He’s back doing a gig he excelled in before as he was pivotal in running back Brady Oliveira finding confidence to reach his full potential.

“It speaks volumes to his character. He’s put his ego aside and he comes inside here every single day with the best attitude,” said Oliveira.

“Off the field, he’s someone we can look up to as a good leader, as a good man, as someone we can strive to be like. He’s just a really, really solid dude and I’m really happy he’s still here because I think he still brings a tremendous amount of value not just to this offence, but to the entire team.”

Fair or not, Hogan was the primary punching bag for last season’s woes. The Bombers, however, deserve a fair share of the blame for putting him in that position.

After all, he hadn’t been an offensive co-ordinator in nearly a decade when he was coaching at a secondary school in Laval.

Under Hogan, the Bombers ranked seventh in points scored (23.1 per game) and uncharacteristically committed 45 turnovers, which was second highest in the league.

“There was maybe a lack of experience, and at the end of the day it probably hurt a lot of people,” said Hogan. “Just got to learn from it, live from it and move on.”

He wouldn’t be opposed to having another crack at playcalling duties one day, but for now, the native of Rosemère, Que., is focused on soaking up as much knowledge as he can from Condell and his nearly 20 years of CFL experience.

“I love Tommy as an individual,” said Hogan. “I think he’s going to help me, outside of the run game, with my understanding of the pass game, and how to organize your thoughts, how to run a quarterback room, all that good stuff. He’s got that experience. So it’s been a blessing to be part of that.”

As for what this offence will look like under new leadership, Condell dropped a few hints.

“This whole stadium has been built on a few things, and that’s relentlessness, finish and physicality, and we need to keep that,” he said.

Reunited with old pal Collaros from their days in Hamilton, the expectation is for the Bombers to put many more points on the board in 2026.

“We’re both chasing greatness, and a lot of times, that’s hard to go get,” said Condell. “We’re still finding it… and we’re not really afraid to keep each other accountable for that and that’s going to be important.”

BLUE AND GOLD NOTES

Cornerback/kick returner Trey Vaval, receiver Nic Demski, defensive lineman Jake Ceresna and defensive back Jonathan Moxey all missed time last week but were all full participants on Tuesday.

Rookie corner Major Williams started the day working with the starters before suffering what has been listed as a hip injury. With Williams watching from the sidelines, Vaval took over at his spot.

On the offensive line, Tyler Elsbury — who started last season on the practice roster before leaving the team for personal reasons — was working with the first unit at centre and not sixth-year Bomber Tui Eli, who was the favourite to land the job heading into training camp.

winnipegfreepress.com/taylorallen