Chris Morris Is Returning to the Elks as President and CEO 

Summary:

• The Edmonton Elks have named Chris Morris as the team’s new president and CEO. 
• Morris’ history as a winner and leader in his time playing for the team was praised by Elks owner Larry Thompson. 
• Rick LeLacheur will take on an advisor role and remain the Club’s alternate governor on the CFL Board of Governors.

Chris Morris is returning to the Edmonton Elks, now as the club’s new president and chief executive officer. 

The announcement came Wednesday, marking a homecoming for the three-time Grey Cup champion, who played with Edmonton from 1992 to 2005 and earned his place on the EE Wall of Honour in 2008.

“The Right Choice to Lead Us Into 2025 and Beyond”

Elks owner Larry Thompson emphasized Morris’ winning legacy and leadership abilities, speaking about the way he “strived for excellence and commanded respect” from his positions as a teacher, principal, and most recently as the Golden Bears’ coach.

Thompson also emphasized Morris’ “connection” to the Elks’ past, while mentioning that his “leadership attributes, and understanding of what it takes to win” have turned him into “the right choice to lead us into 2025 and beyond”

Morris has spent the last 12 years coaching at the University of Alberta, where he revitalized the Golden Bears program by engaging alumni, donors, and the local football community. 

Under his leadership, he coached 19 players who would go on to be CFL draft picks, including current Elks Mark Korte, Jake Taylor, and Josiah Schakel. 

Originally from Scarborough, Ontario, Morris’ career as a standout offensive lineman began with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, where he was a two-time All-Canadian before being selected 8th overall by Edmonton in the 1992 CFL Draft. 

His work ethic and dedication endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Morris: “This Is a Dream Opportunity for Me.”

Reflecting on his new role, Morris expressed his excitement. 

This is a dream opportunity for me. As a proud EE Alum and passionate supporter of football in Northern Alberta, I know how much this Club means to the community

Adding that he was looking forward to continuing the Double E’s “tradition of giving back and winning football games“. 

He also took the opportunity to thank Larry and outgoing president and CEO Rick LeLacheur for offering him the opportunity to “come back” to the place that he considers his “football home”. 

It’s a job I don’t take lightly, and I’m excited to get to work and return us to our winning ways.

LeLacheur, who served as interim President and CEO since August 2023, will stay on as an advisor to Thompson and remain the Club’s alternate governor on the CFL Board of Governors. 

He praised Morris both as a player and a leader in the community, expressing his eagerness to see him succeed in the upcoming years.

Morris’ dedication, experience, and deep roots with the Club make him an ideal leader as the Elks look to a promising future.