Coach of the Year John Hufnagel cites turnover improvement and next-man-up mentality for the Stampeders' success, says farewell coaching season won't be about him

Calgary Stampeders' head coach and general manager John Hufnagel won his second Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL's coach of the year Wednesday following a remarkable season where his team went 15-3 and won the Grey Cup despite incredible turnover of coaches and players, and he did a lot of different things to take his team to the next level this year. If you ask Hufnagel, though, the improvements were only in limited categories. On a media conference call Wednesday afternoon, he said the two differences that helped Calgary dominate this year were increased team health and decreased turnovers.

"Number one, we were more healthy, and number two, we took better care of the football," Hufnagel said. "The games we lost in the playoffs [in the past], the turnover ratio was embarrassing."

The improved health was only on some fronts, though. While the Stampeders didn't suffer another season of roster-wide attrition like 2013, where they had to start three different quarterbacks at times and had next to no healthy receivers for much of the season (but still finished 14-4, albeit with a West Final loss), they spent half of the season without reigning league Most Outstanding Player Jon Cornish, who missed nine games thanks to injuries (primarily involving concussions). Hufnagel said Cornish's injuries were tough thanks to both the void he left in the roster and the uncertainty on when he would be available again.

"It was frustrating for both Jon and myself," Hufnagel said. "I never expected it to be that long."

The team wound up using a variety of replacements for Cornish at tailback, including some, like Hugh Charles, who had only signed recently. They still found success doing so, though. Hufnagel said the Stampeders have been so injury-resilent over the years because they insist on a next-man-up philosophy where all backups are prepared to step in at a moment's notice.

"If they're in the building, it's their responsibility to get themselves ready as if they were starting," he said. "If they're not ready, that's a problem. We don't have too many problems in Calgary."

The Stampeders have been remarkably successful since Hufnagel arrived as head coach in 2008, going 88-36-1 in the regular season with six West Final appearances in seven years, plus making three Grey Cup appearances and winning two Grey Cups. However, although Hufnagel has been a perennial nominee for the Coach of the Year award, this marks only his second win (the first came in his first season in 2008).  He said he's not bitter about that, though, preferring to leave the award selections to the media.

"Our job is to win football games," he said. "It's your guys' job to vote for coach of the year."

Hufnagel said he appreciates the recognition, though, even if the award can't match the thrill of winning the Grey Cup.

"The Grey Cup is the Holy Grail," he said. "It's similar to a player winning the Grey Cup and being named a league all-star. It's nice to be recognized. ...I'm flattered that I have been a finalist."

Hufnagel has a relatively unique role with the Stampeders, as he's been both their coach and general manager since 2008. Hamilton's Kent Austin is currently the only other man in the CFL with both titles; B.C. general manager Wally Buono used to have both as well before stepping down as head coach after the 2011 season. Hufnagel said having both titles can be a blessing, but it requires a strong supporting cast on both the personnel and coaching fronts.

"I think it's beneficial to have both roles, but having said that, you'd better have good people under you that can help out," he said.

He said he's got that support with the Stampeders, as he has excellent assistants on both sides.

"That's an outstanding bunch of coaches."

Many of Hufnagel's former assistants have gone on to head coaching jobs, including Chris Jones in Edmonton and Rick Campbell in Ottawa. Hufnagel said that's not his biggest accomplishment, however.

"What I'm proud of is winning a lot of games, getting our players to buy in each and every week, and building a strong program," he said.

The plan is for 2015 to be Hufnagel's last season on the sidelines, as he plans to hand the coaching reins to offensive coordinator Dave Dickenson in 2016 and focus on his role as GM. He said he doesn't want to make it a farewell tour, though.

"It's not about me," Hufnagel said. "Let's go win some football games."