Despite his well-deserved reputation as an offensive coordinator, Tommy Condell projects the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to run the ball a lot in 2026.
“I think the most important thing is what the players do best,” Condell told the media on Tuesday. “You have to embrace those things. I wouldn't be in this position if I hadn't been able to adapt and understand what players do best and things like that. The game has changed too and I realized that in order to win games you have to be able to (run) the football. You also have to be able to pass the ball effectively and efficiently, we all know that. But for me the key will be to be able to combine that running with passing.”
Condell previously worked as an offensive coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks. While his offense has been stellar at times, including two seasons in Steeltown with Zach Collaros under center, Condell has never relied heavily on the run game.
With running back Brady Oliveira Just Signed a Three-Contract Extension that makes him one of the highest-paid non-defensive players in the CFL, and you'd think that would change. The intense ball-handler is one of the best players in the league and has been at the heart of the attack when the Blue Bombers have been at their best in recent years.
Condell understands not only how important the run game is to Winnipeg, but how important it is to his new coaching colleagues. He intends to take a collaborative approach, and it makes sense: While the team's passing attack ranked last in the CFL in 2025, the Blue Bombers ranked second in yards per game (124.1) and rushing yards per game (5.5).
“The running game has a culture of winning games (in Winnipeg) and that has to be not only respected, but lived out,” Condell said. “That's primarily due to the coaches that we have on staff that have had a lot of success with it. Marty Costello, the (offensive) line coach, he's been here… I mean 10 years or more and he's had a lot of success. Jason was also here during those Gray Cup runs. We're going to lean on those two guys to be able to formulate the game plan that we need on a week-to-week basis.”
“We're going to do this together. It's not as if I came down from Mount Sinai and said, “Hey, this is what we're going to do this week.” No, we're going to come to it together, build it together and put together a game plan to know, “Hey, this is going to do what it takes to win this football game.” Then we will try to bring it to life and we will train it with energy, passion, detail and intentionality.”
Head coach Mike O'Shea created potential conflict among the staff when Hogan demoted from offensive coordinator to running backs coachthough Condell doesn't seem bothered by it. He and Hogan already had a relationship when the latter was a visiting coach with the Toronto Argonauts while Condell was on staff there. Condell noted that they had some private conversations recently, and while he didn't reveal any details, they seemed to be positive.
“I think we both have something to give and offer each other to grow,” Condell said. “We're always thinking about the team. He certainly has high character, is competent in his position, is a great communicator and has the ability to get along. If you have those four things, those are (the attributes of) great coaches and we want them to be part of the team.”
The 54-year-old did not name Winnipeg's other current offensive assistant coaches, which could indicate they won't return in 2026. O'Shea told media Monday that quarterbacks coach Jarius Jackson's status “is to be determined” and the team's roster has not yet been determined.
Condell noted that he and Collaros remained in contact throughout the hiring process, although O'Shea made it clear that the decision to hire Condell was his alone. Condell said he and Collaros have had a relationship outside of football for years, and he clearly believes the veteran can still be a top defensive player in the CFL.
“I still see a guy who can do what he needs to do,” Condell said. “I think he's very smart, he works hard. He's the No. 1 football player, so to continue to be part of that relationship was great.”
“He has a desire to always be great, and that pursuit of greatness happens when no one else is looking. I think that's where all the elite players are. Plus, those elite players who want to be great want to be coached, and he's no different.”
In addition to a balanced attack, Condell emphasized the importance of defending the football and creating explosive plays. For reference, Ottawa's offense ranked dead last in the CFL in passing plays and completions of 30-plus yards under Condell in 2025. He will certainly be looking to improve his grades now that he has arrived at Bomberland.
“We always want to do what players do best, combine the run with the pass, and that's what we want to do. It's game by game,” Condell said.
“What it takes to win this game might be a little different next week. It's about respecting that and executing the game plan that we need to be able to do, and that's certainly the ability to be physical, be able to run the football and do what these players do best.”
