Riders head coach and GM Chris Jones is leaving Saskatchewan to join the Cleveland Browns, TSN has confirmed.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have confirmed his resignation.
"We are proud of what Chris came in and accomplished through his three seasons as general manager and head coach," said Roughriders president and CEO Craig Reynolds in a press release.
"His work obviously didn't go unnoticed and we congratulate him on his opportunity in the National Football League and thank him for his contribution to the Saskatchewan Roughriders."
Jones signed a contract extension with the Roughriders last week. However, there was a clause allowing him to pursue NFL and NCAA opportunities.
According to TSN's Dave Naylor, Jones was interviewed this morning by the Browns and it took about 48 hours from the request to interview Jones to hiring him as senior defensive specialist.
Jones was originally hired as head coach, general manager and vice president of football operations on Dec. 7, 2015 after winning the Grey Cup as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos.
After a 5-13 season in 2016, the Riders improved to 10-8 under Jones in 2017 and Saskatchewan appeared in a division final for the first time since 2013.
Last season, Jones led the the Roughriders to the CFL's second best record at 12-6 and hosted the West Division semifinal. He was awarded for his efforts by being named coach of the year.
