After many years as an assistant coach, George Cortez finally got his first chance at being a head coach with Hamilton in 2012.  Cortez started his CFL career as an assistant in Montreal for four seasons (1983-86), two years in Ottawa (1990-91), a couple of stints in Calgary (1992-94 and 1997-2001), a year in Saskatchewan (2006), back to Calgary for the third time (2007-09). In the two years between his last stint in Calgary and comng to Hamilton, Cortez was the quarterbacks coach with the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. Cortez has also coached in the college ranks with four years at the University of California as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Unfortunately, 2012 was not a good year for the Tiger-Cats and George Cortez. The cats went 6-12 and misssed the East playoffs as Edmonton crossed over to play in the East semi-final. Shortly after the Grey Cup, Cortez was fired by the Tiger-Cats.

Cortez was not out of work for very long, however, as he signed with the Saskatcheewan Roughriders as their offensive coordinator for 2013.

Ticats Part Way With Head Coach George Cortez - December 11, 2012

Cortez Signs With Roughriders as Offensive Coordinator - January 21, 2013