It was the worst kept secret in the CFL that the Bombers would be hiring a new offensive coordinator, and that it would be Tommy Condell.

Even before the Bombers started interviewing candidates to replace Hogan, it was evident that a change was coming. Collaros expressed his frustration with the play calling before the interview process began. And then there was the re-signing of Oliveira; something to me that certainly signaled that the Bombers told him Hogan would not be back as the offensive coordinator.

And just a few day ago I said, “If I were the Bombers I would release Hogan, or demote him to the running backs coach.” It seems like I had the right idea, as on Monday, December 22, the Bombers announced, “We have hired Tommy Condell as offensive coordinator…Jason Hogan will return in 2026 as the club’s Running Backs Coach.”

Brady Oliveira
I have to imagine that Brady was consulted in this move. I would think that the Bombers talked with Brady and the conversation went something like this, “Look, Brady, we want you back! I know that you have been frustrated the last year, even dating back to the 2024 Grey Cup on the way that you were utilized. Here’s what we are committed to doing to keep you. Frist of all, we are not going to ask you to take a hometown discount. Second, we are not going to have Hogan back as the offensive coordinator. But he is under contract for 2026 (my personal speculation), so we want to save some coaching cap space and bring him back in 2026 as the running backs coach. If we commit to that, can we get a deal done with you?”

Whether or not that is exactly how the conversation went…we may never know. But having covered this team for the last few years, many of my speculations have proven accurate. I will always tell you when I am speculating and when something is fact, and when I am wrong you will regularly see me say so in a future article.

Tommy Condell
Condell joins the Blue Bombers after spending the last two years as the offensive coordinator with the Ottawa Redblacks and brings 15 years of Canadian Football League coaching experience with five different teams. 

Condell began his CFL career with the Blue Bombers in 1997 as the special teams coordinator on Jeff Reinebold’s staff and has experience in the league with the Ottawa Renegades (2004-05), Saskatchewan Roughriders (2006), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2014-15; 2020-23), Toronto Argonauts (2017-18) and Redblacks (2024-25).

He was part of the coaching staff that helped lead the Argos to the 2017 Grey Cup championship and served as the offensive coordinator with the Roughriders in ’06, with the Ticats from ’13-15 and again in ’21-23 and the Argos in ’18 before joining the Redblacks in the same capacity in ’24.” (source)

However, less than impressive is that the Redblacks were 8th in offensive points in 2025. Much of that disappointment may be attributed to the fact that their starting quarterback (Dru Brown) missed 9 games and that Ottawa had 4 different starting quarterbacks.

Condell has also previously worked with Collaros, namely in 2014-2015 in Hamilton. Furthermore, Demski seemed excited about the possibility of the Bombers signing Condell, Paul Friesen reports; “Tommy Condell’s hiring to replace Jason Hogan hasn’t been announced, yet. But that doesn’t stop players like receiver Nic Demski from imagining what the change might be like, come training camp in May. “It would be fun to work with him if that is the case,” Demski said on Friday. “I speculate as much as you guys. I’m just waiting to see a confirmation, but I’m pumped up to see what that door could open.”

I also have to believe that Demski had a very good idea that Condell would sign with the Bombers. If you are Demski, and nearing the latter part of your career, you want some degree of certainty. You do not want to sign with a team when neither they, nor you, know who the next offensive coordinator will be.

Jake Thomas
Jake Thomas will take on the role of defensive line coach, after playing 13 seasons with the Bombers. During that time, Thomas appeared in 5 Grey Cups, played 223 games – which rank the fourth highest in Bomber history – after Bob Cameron (394), Troy Westwood (293) and Chris Walby (249).

Thomas steps into a new role having been a major key member of the championship teams in 2019 and 2021. Thomas was selected by the Blue Bombers in the fourth round, 29th overall, of the 2012 CFL Draft. developing a reputation as a reliable starter and respected leader who spent hours in the film room, Thomas has earned this opportunity. During his career he posted 33 sacks, 196 tackles, five forced fumbles and one interception. Also remember, Thomas was the first to hoist the Grey Cup after the Bombers’ 2019 Grey Cup win.

Jason Hogan
While I touched on this earlier, Hogan will return to a coaching position that he is not only familiar with, but one where he was successful from 2022-2024. “Hogan played an important role in Brady Oliveira’s rise to stardom as the Winnipeg product has now eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark four times, captured consecutive rushing titles in 2023-24, was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2023 and 2024 and the league’s Most Outstanding Player in 2024.” (source)

While some fans may want to toss Hogan aside, I think it is not only fair, but fitting that he gets another crack as the running backs coach. After all, too much change in coaching staff rarely results in quick success. And from everything I have see so far this offseason, the Bombers are making a concerted effort to turn this thing around for 2026.

What’s Next?
Now that the Bombers have made the worst kept secret an actuality (the signing of Condell as offensive coordinator), I expect them to attack the market for receivers. Like I mentioned earlier with Oliveira and Demski, it is hard to attract offensive talent when questions at offensive coordinator remain. I would not be surprised if the Bombers went after 2 or 3 number one receivers. Whether or not they are able to sign those guys remains a question; but I fully expect the Bombers to push their poker chips into the middle of the table and say, ‘All in.”

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.