Argonauts.ca
TORONTO — Toronto Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich is leaving the team after taking a job down south with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars announced the hire on Friday night on their official website while the Argos confirmed the news in a statement by President and CEO Michael Copeland.
“We support Scott’s decision to pursue his goals in the NFL and wish him all the best in his new role,” said Copeland. “We’ve made significant progress in our search for the Argos’ next general manager. We hope to conclude the search process shortly.
“The first order of business for our next general manager will be to hire the team’s next head coach. We are confident that we will be well prepared for a successful 2017 season. In the interim, all player personnel matters will continue to be executed as planned under the leadership of assistant general Manager Spencer Zimmerman.
“On behalf of the entire Argonauts organization, and our fans, I would like to thank Scott for his many contributions and leadership over the past five years.”
The Argonauts also announced that former Hamilton Tiger-Cats offensive coordinator Tommy Condell has joined the club in the position of special advisor.
Milanovich will become the Jags’ quarterbacks coach, leaving the CFL behind after five seasons as the Argos’ head coach. He exits with a career record of 43-47.
“I would like to thank the Argonauts’ ownership, President and CEO Michael Copeland, the staff, all the players and coaches, and most importantly, the wonderful city of Toronto and the loyal fans for the opportunity to serve as your head coach for the past five seasons,” Milanovich told the Jaguars’ official website.
“This has been an amazing experience for my family and me, and we’re so appreciative of all the wonderful friends we’ve made and memories we’ve created in Toronto.”
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Scott Milanovich leaves the Argos after five seasons, including one Grey Cup, in Toronto (CFL.ca)
The news comes days after the departure of General Manager Jim Barker, who was relieved of his duties on Tuesday. Milanovich was hired by Barker in 2012, leading the Argos to a Grey Cup Championship that same season.
After winning the East Division a year later, the Argos missed the playoffs in two of their next three seasons, including a forgettable 2016 campaign in which they tied the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a CFL-worst five wins.
After working his way up from quarterback to offensive coordinator to head coach in the CFL, Milanovich’s career trajectory takes him south. With the Jaguars, he’s expected to work closely with 24-year-old quarterback and former third overall pick Blake Bortles.
“Scott Milanovich brings a variety of experience to our coaching staff, and we are eager for him to get started,” Jaguars executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin said in a statement Friday. “Working closely with Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, we expect the quarterback position to deliver positive results under Scott’s direction and guidance.”
The Argos’ next step will be to hire a general manager before choosing their next head coach. In the meantime, Condell will support the Argos with player personnel matters.
Before spending time with Hamilton, Condell has also spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ottawa Renegades and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
