Eric Tillman, with Hamilton Tiger-Cats football operations since 2013 and general manager since 2016, won't be returning to the team, both he and CEO Scott Mitchell confirmed Wednesday evening.

Late Wednesday afternoon TSN's David Naylor tweeted that Tillman - whose contract expired at the end of the calendar year - would be leaving the Ticats and will land in Halifax, which has been granted a conditional CFL expansion franchise that might be ready for the 2021 season.

"It's unfortunate this was leaked, very unfortunate," Tillman told The Spectator from Mississippi. "What little I can say is this: Hamilton granted the Halifax group permission to speak with me several weeks ago. I told Bob (Young) and Scott how intriguing this was for many reasons. So, this was done with their total blessing and support. They fully understand what this new franchise will mean to a very special part of our country.

"I can't possibly say enough positive things about Bob, Scott, Matt (Afinec, team president) and all the wonderful people I've been blessed to work with in Hamilton, including coaches, players and staff. So much love for so many in that building, and, with any luck, they'll stay healthy next year, and finally get a much deserved championship.

"This wasn't supposed to leak, but, in terms of what's next, I simply can't elaborate beyond acknowledging that, yes, my contract just expired in Hamilton yesterday and I'm very excited about what the future will bring."

Mitchell wouldn't discuss where Tillman was potentially headed but it's known the veteran of nearly two dozen seasons in personnel and upper management for seven different CFL teams has been talking seriously to the newly named Atlantic Schooners since late October or early November.

"Eric and I have had a long relationship," Mitchell told The Spectator. "It just happened that there's an opportunity for him to explore, and we agreed that it was a great thing, and fortuitous for him, to explore it.

"Eric was Kent's (Austin) No. 2 guy and when Kent left (last spring), Eric was absolutely great about working in collaboration with the other guys in football operations. We've got some great young people in football operations and we'll add some more people who are going to be productive."

Although Tillman still held the general manager title, in reality the Ticats' 2018 football personnel decisions were shared among a three-man group that included him and highly regarded young assistant GMs Shawn Burke and Drew Allemang. Head coach June Jones had sign-off responsibility. New head coach Orlondo Steinauer and Jones, now his offensive co-ordinator, will both have major input into 2019 personnel decisions.

smilton@thespec.com

905-526-3268 | @miltonatthespec