By Mitchell Blair
For Riderville.com

As soon as the news became public, Brendan Taman knew what people would be thinking. The Riders new director of football administration did his best Tuesday afternoon to throw cold water on the idea that he has been brought on board to replace current general manager Eric Tillman.

“I left the Bombers because I didn’t want to be a general manager anymore.” Taman told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “I don't want Eric's job and I don't plan on taking it any time soon. I'm here to help him, that's all.”

President and CEO Jim Hopson was also quick to derail any notion that Taman’s arrival in Riderville means something is about to happen to Tillman.

“All it signals is we were able to replace Tony Playter with someone we think will bring a lot to the job.” Hopson said. “Having Brendan available and bringing him in is a good thing for our club. I know what people are thinking, but Eric and I talked about that. When I asked Eric for his recommendations, Brendan was right at the top of his list. He is someone that has a lot of experience in the league in several different capacities---as a scout, as a GM, as someone involved with football ops. He’s not coming in to be anything but the director of football administration. He’s happy with that. I think this is where he wants to be at this point in his career. Eric is very happy with it. It’s a good move for us. “

The move has head coach Ken Miller smiling as well.
 “To have someone come in who has the experience that Brendan has is really a good thing.” Miller said. “I’m really anxious to get to know him better and work with him. I think Brendan will work well with Eric and I think the two of us will work well together.”

As for what Taman will do right off the bat, Hopson says he will be busy and will have a lot on his plate immediately.
 “Brendan will be the guy that helps us get the roster set and do all the league moves; he will do the waiver moves and things like that.” Hopson said. “Eventually, he will give us assistance on getting players into town, work permits, travel, advance travel and I expect at some point he will do some scouting for us to help take some of the workload off Joe Womack.”

Taman hasn’t been seen or heard of since leaving his post as general manager of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in January. When he left, he said he was tired and needed a break. He says that break is over and there is one reason why he is coming back to Saskatchewan to work with the Riders for the third time.
“Its because Eric Tillman is a very good friend of mine, and I have built up a good relationship with him over the years.” Taman said. “Getting back to a great organization like this is one thing I wanted to do if I got back into it.  Coming back here after 10 years in Winnipeg is very special to me. They have such a good organization. The team has been fantastic. It’s all about winning to me. I think they can win here and I know they can win here so that is why I am here. Its great to be back.”

As mentioned, this is Taman’s third tour of duty with the Riders. The 42 year old served as a player personnel assistant in 1987 and 88 and was the team’s director of player personnel from 1993 to 96. Besides his time with Winnipeg, Taman has also worked with the B.C Lions and the Ottawa Renegades.