Greg Marshall returns to the capital
February 1, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA – One of the finest defensive players in Ottawa’s rich football history is returning to the nation’s capital.
Greg Marshall, who had an outstanding playing career with the Ottawa Rough Riders in the 1980s, was named the defensive coordinator of the Renegades on Tuesday. A former CFL Defensive Player of the Year (1983) with the Riders, Marshall was in Ottawa from 1980-1988 and spent the last five seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos as the defensive coordinator.
“Greg brings a wealth of experience, not only to the team, but the community as well,” said Renegades Head Coach and General Manager Joe Paopao. “Professionally and personally knowing Greg, I am really happy to have him on board and look forward to working with him.”
Marshall’s stay in Ottawa as a player was remarkable. In addition to his excellent 1983 season, he was a four-time Eastern All-Star and a two-time CFL All-Star. His roots in the capital continued after his playing days. He was the head coach of the Ottawa Bootleggers in the American Football Alliance for two years, leading the team to an undefeated season in 1990. His CFL experience in the capital began with a guest coaching stint in 1992 and 1993 – at a time where he concurrently was the head coach of the Ottawa Sooners junior team. Marshall was the CJFL Coach of the Year in 1991 and the next season guided the Sooners to an undefeated campaign and a national championship.
Over the last decade, Marshall cemented himself as one of the top assistants in the CFL and an elite defensive coach. He spent six seasons in Saskatchewan as the RidersÂ’ defensive coordinator and CFL College draft director before moving on to the Eskimos. In 2003, his defence in Edmonton led a number of key categories, including fewest points allowed (367), fewest touchdowns allowed (37), lowest average points per game allowed (20.4) and lowest percentage of pass completions allowed (50.8%). That defence helped the Eskimos win the 2003 Grey Cup.
A native of Beverly, MA, Marshall spent two years as a player in the National Football League. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He spent time during the 1978 and 1979 seasons with both Philadelphia and the Baltimore Colts.
A family man, Marshall, a graduate of Oregon State University, is married. He and his wife, Cindy, have four children: Christine, Bryan, Caitlin and Kelsey.
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Canadian Football League Stories from February 1, 2005
- Coaching staff returns to Als - Montreal Alouettes
- Greg Marshall returns to the capital - Ottawa Renegades
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