The Edmonton Elks named former Edmonton player Chris Morris the new President and CEO on Wednesday.
Chris Morris is 56 years old and hails from Scarborough, Ontario. He played college football at the University of Toronto. The Edmonton Eskimos drafted Morris in the first round (8th pick) of the 1992 CFL Draft. He played 13 seasons in Edmonton winning the Grey Cup three times in 1993, 2003, and 2005.
“Chris was a winner and a leader during his time as an Eskimo,” said Edmonton owner Larry Thompson. “As a teacher, principal, and most recently coach of the Golden Bears, Chris has strived for excellence and commanded respect.”
“His connection to our past, leadership attributes, and understanding of what it takes to win made him the right choice to lead us into 2025 and beyond.”
While he was playing for the Eskimos, Morris became a full-time teacher with Edmonton Public Schools in 1997 and ascended to principal at Spruce Avenue Junior High in 2009. Then, Morris spent 12 years as the head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Pandas. In 2023, the Golden Pandas finished 6-2 and hosted their first playoff game since 2005. Morris was named the Frank Tindall Trophy winner (Coach of the Year).
“This is a dream opportunity for me,” said Morris. “As a proud EE Alum and passionate supporter of football in Northern Alberta, I know how much this Club means to the community and I look forward to continuing our tradition of giving back and winning football games.”
“I’d like to thank Larry and outgoing President and CEO Rick LeLacheur for giving me the chance to come back to the place I consider my football home. It’s a job I don’t take lightly and I’m excited to get to work and return us to our winning ways.”
Former President and CEO Rick LeLacheur will remain with Edmonton as an advisor to new owner Larry Thompson and will continue as the Club’s alternate governor on the CFL Board of Governors.
“As a player, Chris was one of the best and as a leader in our community, Chris has continued to show the attributes we were looking for in a President and CEO,” said LeLacheur. “I look forward to supporting Chris during his transition and watching him succeed in the coming years.”
