By Stampeders.com Staff

For the first six seasons of his Stampeders career, Juwan Simpson played for two defensive coordinators. Coincidentally, both of these individuals are finalists for the CFL’s Coach of the Year award in 2015.

From 2008 to 2011, Chris Jones was in charge of the Red and White’s defensive unit. In 2012 and 2013, it was Rick Campbell calling the defensive shots. On Thursday morning, Jones and Campbell were recognized for their work in their new roles for their new teams.

Jones guided the Edmonton Eskimos to a 14-4 record this past season while Campbell oversaw a remarkable worst-to-first storyline with the Ottawa RedBlacks.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to say I played for these guys,” said Simpson. “They’re both great coaches. They have distinct styles and they’ve both mastered the technique of having their players play for them. They find a way to get their players to play for them.”

Defensive back Brandon Smith is another Stamp who apprenticed under both Jones and Campbell.

“I’m proud of those guys and they definitely deserve it,” he said. “I wish them the best of luck. Both of them.”

“That’s awesome, man. Both of them are good coaches. I learned a lot from both coaches and they definitely helped my game. It gave me a chance to see different aspects of the game and now, working under Rich Stubler, and Corey Chamblin (the former Stamps defensive backs coach who became defensive coordinator in Hamilton), as well.

“Being able to play under four of the best DCs in this league definitely improved my game. It gave me the complete aspect of the defence — I learned something from each one of those guys. I understand the defence now and I understand the offence and what they’re trying to do to us on the field.”

Not all successful coordinators become good head coaches but Simpson isn’t surprised to see Campbell and Jones make the transition.

“Both of them, they find a way to make you want to play for them and to get the best out of you,” said the veteran linebacker. “Regardless of whatever tactics they use, they always find a way.

“With Rick, we played well defensively and got to the Grey Cup. And Coach Jones? His resume speaks for itself. He always wins wherever he goes and he always finds talent. Definitely, with both of them, you could see they had head coaching in their future.”