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This article was published 7/1/2012 (3188 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive coordinator Tim Burke has been turned down in his quest to become the new head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and will return in 2012 as the Bombers defensive boss.

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The Ticats announced Saturday afternoon that they have hired George Cortez, the quarterbacks coach of the Buffalo Bills, as their new field boss.

JOHN WOODS FOR POSTMEDIA NEWS Tim Burke

The Ticats decision will come as a huge relief to the Bombers front office, who are already without an offensive coordinator after they fired Jamie Barresi immediately following the Grey Cup and were not looking forward to having to also replace Burke.

Bombers media relations director Darren Cameron said Burke will speak with reporters on Monday. The club did, however, tweet a statement on behalf of Burke Saturday afternoon: "It is obviously disappointing to hear I won’t be the next Head Coach of Hamilton. At the same time, I have a great situation in Winnipeg and look forward to the 2012 season with the Bombers and the best fans in the CFL."

The club also made head coach Paul LaPolice available to reporters Saturday afternoon. "I’d have loved to see Tim get a head coaching opportunity. And I think that will come," LaPolice said by phone from San Antonio, where is attending a coaches conference.

"He will be a great head coach. His body of work as an assistant coach has been tremendous. I’m disappointed for him, but he will certainly help us win a Grey Cup."