The Edmonton Eskimos are expected to offer their vacant head coaching position to Winnipeg defensive co-ordinator Kavis Reed on Friday.
Reed, a former Eskimo player, resides in Edmonton during the off-seasons and has a strong relationship with Eskimos general manager Eric Tillman, dating back to their time together in Ottawa and Saskatchewan.
Though Tillman has interviewed several candidates, including Calgary assistants Dave Dickenson and Chris Jones, Reed has been considered the favourite all along.
As of Wednesday evening, however, Edmonton was yet to make him an offer.
"We have not offered the job to (Reed) directly or indirectly through other parties," said general manager Eric Tillman Wednesday evening. "Have there been internal discussions about various scenarios? Yes. But no offer has been extended to Kavis or any other candidate."
Reed coached special teams with the Roughriders before going to Winnipeg this season where the defence gave up the second-fewest yards, despite the Blue Bombers finishing 4-14. Reed has also had stops in Toronto and Hamilton.
"Could (an announcement) happen as soon as Friday? Yes," Tillman said. "Or it could be next week."