Toronto Argonauts: Corey Mace faces challenge in improving defence

Corey Mace has been hired as the Toronto Argonauts’ new defensive coordinator and faces a tough task in improving what was a poor unit last season.

The Toronto Argonauts made a significant addition to the coaching staff on Thursday. As per their media relations department, Corey Mace has been hired as the defensive coordinator.

Mace will be tasked with the challenge of turning around the fortunes of what was a poor unit last season. The defence ranked sixth for points conceded and seventh in yards allowed.

As per the Toronto Sun, the Argonauts are getting a quality person who thoroughly deserves the opportunity to show he can be a successful defensive coordinator. In this respect, Mace arrives in Southern Ontario with intriguing credentials.

The Port Moody, British Columbia native spent five seasons as the Calgary Stampeders’ defensive line coach between 2016-2021. During this time, the Stampeders led the CFL in sacks on three occasions and also finished second in 2019.

As per Argonauts.ca, Calgary ranked first in touchdowns allowed in 2016, points conceded in 2017 and run defence in 2018. Most importantly of all, the Stampeders won the Grey Cup in 2018.

Mace is renowned for helping players reach their full potential, as evidenced by developing the likes of Micah Johnson and Mike Rose into All-Stars. You imagine Argonauts’ new defensive lineman Alani Pututau will be eager to work with him.

It also helps that the 36-year-old has plenty of experience of playing professional football as a defensive lineman himself. He spent time in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, but it was in the CFL where he enjoyed his most success, specifically with the Stampeders.

Mace played in Calgary between 2010-15, winning the Grey Cup in 2014. He missed the entire 2015 season through injury, which led to his decision to retire from playing and move over to the coaching side.

Interestingly, the 2007 11th overall CFL draft pick has some history with the Argonauts. In 2009, his rights were traded to Toronto as part of a package which saw wide receiver Arland Bruce III join the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is understandably happy to have Mace on board. As per Argonauts.ca, Dinwiddie said:

"“Corey will bring a strong work ethic and a hunger to get better each day. He will provide great leadership for our football club and have a tremendous impact on and off the field. We welcome Corey and his family to Toronto.”"

It was important for the Double Blue to find a suitable replacement after Chris Jones left for his second stint in Edmonton as head coach. Only time will tell if Mace has what it takes to build a defence capable of helping Toronto challenge for the Grey Cup, but the initial signs are promising.

What are you expecting from Mace? Are you confident he will turn around the fortunes of the Toronto Argonauts’ defence? Let us know in the comments section below.