Ticats.ca Staff
 
HAMILTON -- The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that with the additions of Steve Buratto as Offensive Line Coach and Tim Kearse as Receivers Coach, Head Coach Marcel Bellefeuille has completed his full-time coaching staff for the 2010 season. 
 
"I'm pleased to announce our staff for this season.  It will be an honour to work with these men," said Bellefeuille.  "The combination of returning coaches and some key additions will allow us to maintain continuity while providing additional expertise and experience."  
 
Buratto brings almost three decades worth of CFL experience to the Ticats staff.  He has previously worked extensively as an Offensive Coordinator (Toronto Argonauts 2007-08, Calgary Stampeders 2005-06, B.C. Lions 2003-04, Baltimore Stallions 1994-95) and served as the Argos Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach in 2009.  He has formerly served as Offensive Line Coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1993 and 1980-82. 
 
Buratto has been a part of two Grey Cup championship teams including one as Head Coach of the Lions in 2000. 
 
Kearse previously served as Receivers Coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2001-06) and Montreal Alouettes (2007).  During his tenure with the Riders, he played a key role in the development of future 1,000-yard receivers Derick Armstrong, Matt Dominguez and Jamel Richardson.  As a player, Kearse spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1983-84, 1988) as well as the NFL's Detroit Lions (1986) and Indianapolis Colts (1987).  He was originally an 11th round draft choice of the NFL's San Diego Chargers in 1983 after a standout collegiate career at San Jose State. 
 
Bellefeuille, one of three finalists for the 2009 CFL Coach of the Year award, will begin his second full season as head coach of the Ticats after leading the Black and Gold to a 9-9 record and a berth in the Eastern Semi-Final last season.  He originally joined the Ticats as offensive coordinator in December of 2007 before becoming interim head coach on September 8, 2008.
 
Offensive Coordinator Mike Gibson and Quarterbacks Coach Khari Jones will each begin their second season with the Ticats following an improved offensive showing in 2009 that saw the Black and Gold throw for almost 5,000 yards.  Gibson will also serve as the team's running backs coach.    
 
The entire defensive coaching staff will remain intact after Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall and his crew engineered a defence that surrendered just 428 points last season - the second lowest total in the league and a 199-point improvement from 2008. 
 
Brad Miller will continue to serve as the team's Secondary Coach for a second season while John Kropke will begin his third campaign as Defensive Line Coach following a season where he helped two rookie defensive ends, Khari Long and Justin Hickman, combine for 17 quarterback sacks. 
 
Dave Easley will return for his fourth season as Special Teams Coordinator and his 18th season in the CFL.