Hamilton offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell, a key cog in coaching staff who has helped propel the Ticats to Grey Cup contenders and Zach Collaros into an elite CFL quarterback, resigned on Monday, less than two months before the start of training camp.

Condell announced his decision via Twitter on Monday afternoon. 

A source said Condell and his family will be returning to their home in Texas.

Condell had previously worked with Ticats head coach Kent Austin with Ottawa of the CFL and with Cornell University in the NCAA.

“When I joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012, Tommy was my first hire following our three seasons together on the staff at Cornell University," said Tiger-Cats vice president of football operations and head coach Kent Austin in a statement. "He did an outstanding job with us and was an important part of the winning culture we have put in place here.

"I cherish my relationship with Tommy and that goes beyond coaching. He will always be my friend. My trust and respect for him is and will always be extremely high. We coached together for six years, but our relationship goes deeper than that.”

Under Condell’s direction, Collaros led his team to the Grey Cup in 2014 and was a leading candidate for league Most Outstanding Player Honours when he suffered a season-ending knee injury last season.

While no decision about a replacement has been finalized, it is likely that Condell’s duties – including play calling – will be taken over by Austin, a former CFL quarterback.

It remains to be seen whether Condell's departure will affect Collaros' future with the Ticats beyond this season. Condell's close relationship with Collaros was considered a significant plus for the Ticats in efforts to keep the 27-year-old quarterback beyond the final year of his contract in 2016.