Toronto Argonauts: Scott Milanovich Extension Signifies More Stability

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It’s a good time to be a Toronto Argonauts fan again. It seems like just yesterday that a lot of people were concerned about the future of the franchise in Southern Ontario.

However, any concerns have been put to rest, since the recent agreement by Bell Canada and Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group, to take over control of the team. For the first time in many years, the Argonauts have the security of long-term stability.

Along those lines, fans received even more good news on Monday. As reported by cfl.ca, the Double Blue announced the extension of Scott Milanovich’s and Jim Barker’s contracts.

Both men have had their deals extended for a further three years. In many respects, there is also a lot of relief involved with this news.

Aug 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Argonauts running back Curtis Steele (29) celebrates his 15 yard touchdown reception against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with Argonauts fullback Alexandre Dupuis (43) at Rogers Centre. Toronto defeated Winnipeg 38-21. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

There is no denying that there were a lot of problems behind the scenes, with a lot of issues connected to David Braley’s ownership of the team. (Of course, it should be noted that Braley still owns the team until the end of 2015.)

According to widespread speculation, Braley and Barker did not get on, with concerns that the General Manager was going to be pushed out of the organisation. If this had happened, Milanovich was likely to also leave.

This would have been a major blow to the Argonauts. Between them, Barker and his head coach had played a major role in helping the team with the 100th Grey Cup, which took place in Toronto.

Now though, this is no longer a concern, with Barker telling the media how thrilled he is to be remaining with the team: “I’m excited about the future of the organization and the commitment our incoming ownership group is making to winning football.

“We have faced a number of challenges the past few seasons but our team is energized and confident about the future. We’re well positioned to deliver long-term success to the fans of the Double Blue and I am very happy to be part of what we will achieve together.”

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The GM also expressed his delight about Milanovich’s decision to stay with the Argos: “Scott Milanovich is an excellent coach who is respected by the players and a proven winner.

“He has effectively evolved with the game as well as the players,. Nobody will work harder than Scott to ensure this team reaches beyond its potential over the coming years.”

Milaovich has been a revelation since being hired as Argonauts head coach three seasons ago. In that time, as well as the 100th Grey Cup, he has won one East Division title, made the playoffs twice, and been named 2012 CFL Coach of the Year.

For his part, the 42-year old echoed his GM’s sentiments to the media: “I’m excited to be part of the long-term vision for the Argonauts and for the opportunity to continue working closely with Jim Barker.

“Our new ownership group is clearly committed to the team’s success. The coaching staff and I are eager to unlock the full potential of our talented Argos team and dedicated to delivering championship success for the greatest fans in the Canadian Football League.”

With two of their key pieces now secured for the next three seasons, it’s up to the Argonauts to add to their fine history, which includes a CFL-record 16 Grey Cups. Everything is good in the world again, which is as it should be for the oldest existing professional sports team in North America still using its original name.

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