Jim Barker Relieved of his Duties

[1971GreyCup]

Gary Lawless tweeted:

Our @garylawless reports Argos GM Jim Barker has been relieved of his duties.

[1971GreyCup]

It looks like Coach SM fate will be determined by new GM. Expect Popp's hiring next?

[Mightygoose]

Shoe one has finally dropped.

Trying to figure out the timing here. We're so far removed from the end of the season yet so close to free agency.

Perhaps, the new GM and possible 'football guru' is coming on soon?

[Mulder]

It looks like Coach SM fate will be determined by new GM. Expect Popp's hiring next?

Gotta find offensive talent, or get it in Free Agency.

Odd that they let him get some contracts signed (Drew Willy) while he was under review. Then to fire him......

[1971GreyCup]

Letter issued to Season Ticket holders before 9am.

http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u...8&e=60bc5ebc56

[1971GreyCup]

Perhaps the outs in DW's contracts are so large that even though he is under contract he can be released without compensation at any time.

[1971GreyCup]

Arash Madani tweeted:

If Argos next GM wants his own coach, how will he fill out a staff now that most assistants league-wide are locked in with their #CFL teams?

The 2016 Argos season was effectively over Oct. 10. Instead of a six-week head start on their off-season, they're 2+ months behind. #CFL

Jim Barker had been working, business as usual for the Argos. Even attended the NFLPA Bowl in California ten days ago. #CFL

Per #CFL sources: Argos ownership had "lost faith" in Barker in the fall. And yet, the trigger isn't pulled until late January? Ridiculous.

[1971GreyCup]

Argos look like the GM search is on after Argos just tweeted:

Spencer Zimmerman has been promoted to asst. GM. He will manage day-to-day operations during GM search. #Argos

[Antwon]

It looks like Coach SM fate will be determined by new GM. Expect Popp's hiring next?

Please no Popp!!!!! The timing is brutal. Should have done t at the end of the season!

[1971GreyCup]

Watch for Popp to bring Trestman.

[Scooter McCray]

Watch for Popp to bring Trestman.

and bring a quarterback or three with you at the same time.

[Neely2005]

So they fire Barker but keep Milanovich. Totally backwards IMO!

[ArgoGabe22]

At this point in time, might as well give Barker another season. A bit late for new GM to come in.

[Scooter McCray]

If the new GM is Popp and if he is bringing Trestman as head coach they may want to keep Milanovich on as OC. He is under contract.

[1971GreyCup]

From where I sit, it looks like the new Argos started the 2016 season late with new owners. 2016 didn't fare too well. After being awarded the Grey Cup mishandled delivering the event and were rightfully criticized for this.

Rather than an early start to 2017, the Argos have managed to squander three months and only now have concluded that JB doesn't fit into 2017 plans. Unless a turnkey GM/HC and/football guru emerge, 2017 season seems now to be at risk. This market doesn't need another rebuilding year.

If we get another year like last year, football review must take place on the next level up and above the GM/HC level.

[Shatto]

Reading the notice a second time several things seem stand out:
1) A new "football operations leader" is going to be put in place, which suggests a position with greater power and scope than a regular GM

2) Milanovich remains as Head Coach but with an ambiguous statement that no further organizational changes are contemplated "at this time" which seems to indicated the new operations leader (super GM?) will have authority to bring in his own Head Coach.

3)They have plan to "find" this new leader, which indicates they may be a long way from actually getting this new "football operations leader"

The delay in making this decision is completely unacceptable. It makes one question if Copeland is competent in his job or is he being handcuffed by ownership.

[timlb01]

I am shocked that they have done this now. What the heck in the world Copeland?!??!? Copeland has done a poor job from all of the previous season, to the Grey Cup and now waiting just before free agency to get rid of the GM. What the HECK in the WORLD!!!!!! I am sooooo disappointed.

[OV Argo]

Mr. Barker put in some good service helping rudder the good ship Argo, including winning a GC. Thanks for that.

But it was time for him to go, IMO. That Willy trade was desperate and stupid, along with some other goofy moves last year, and a terrible end of season streak of putrid, horrible football losses showed the boat was sinking badly.

Somebody is going to suggest the Argo ownership/brass have just been taking their time with this move, trying to get things done "right". I think I disagree and they seem more like clueless. Signing that clown Poop as GM would more than confirm that to me. Maybe they could then sign some ex-NFL HC with zero Canadian football understanding to take over - another Forrest Gump to ruin, er, run the Argos.

[Stevoman]

So...2 weeks away from arguably the most important free agency period in this teams entire history and now is when you fire the GM??? and now is when you START the search for a new one????? I can't see this season going well. Wasn't there a conspiracy theorist who was saying that the new owners are actually trying to kill the Argos rather than save them? Now, I don't believe that but it's actually hard to tell based on the timing of this move.

[Neely2005]

So...2 weeks away from arguably the most important free agency period in this teams entire history and now is when you fire the GM??? and now is when you START the search for a new one????? I can't see this season going well. Wasn't there a conspiracy theorist who was saying that the new owners are actually trying to kill the Argos rather than save them? Now, I don't believe that but it's actually hard to tell based on the timing of this move.

Don't worry, everything is fine. Nothing to see here...