Bernie Schmidt won’t return as Rams offensive coordinator in 2015

REGINA, Sask. – The University of Regina Rams announcedFriday that offensive coordinator Bernie Schmidt will not returnfor the 2015 season.

“Despite having been here for only a short time,it’s extremely obvious how dedicated Bernie has been to theprogram,” Rams head coach Mike Gibson said. “But I havethe responsibility to put together a staff that will move togetherin the direction that I see the program going in. I wish Bernie allthe best moving forward.”

Schmidt had served as the team’s offensive coordinator forall 16 seasons at the CIS level and the Regina Rams’ final 15years in the CJFL, with much of that time as a volunteer. The Ramsnot only won seven CJFL national championships and advanced to the2000 Vanier Cup with Schmidt as the architect of the team’soffence, but also saw numerous offensive players advance to theprofessional ranks including CFL Draft first-round selections JasonClermont, Chris Bauman, and Brendon LaBatte.

“Bernie has had an impressive career running the Ramsoffence,” University of Regina acting director of athleticsCurtis Atkinson said. “He has played an important role in thesuccess of the team and individual student-athletes, and we thankhim for his contributions to the Rams and the University ofRegina.”

Schmidt’s final date of employment at the University ofRegina will be Saturday, Jan. 31. Gibson is expected to announcehis coaching staff for the 2015 season in February.

The University of Regina Rams would like to thank Bernie forhis dedication and commitment to our players and football programover the past 37 years. Bernie is best known for his exciting,high-calibre offences that were always ranked among the best in thecountry. He was always a mentor to his players and a good friend toall members of the organization and we wish him and his family thevery best.

-30-