Jim Barker Relieved of his Duties

[AngeloV]

Regardless of what one thinks of JM/SM, it is impossible not to be even more disappointed by the lackluster performance of Copeland. Other than introducing the tailgating(if it was his idea), it is difficult to think of anything that he has done successfully during his time with the organization. He had ample time to review the organizational structure and decide who should occupy the positions but he has appeared to dither away the opportunity to be ahead of the other teams and now we are well behind them. No matter how strongly one can argument for getting rid of JM/SM, it would seem that a much stronger argument could be put forth for firing Copeland. Maybe he will surprise us all and pull this mess out of the fire but based on his past performance, that appears to be highly unlikely.

Couldn't agree more.

[jerrym]

Regardless of what one thinks of JM/SM, it is impossible not to be even more disappointed by the lackluster performance of Copeland. Other than introducing the tailgating(if it was his idea), it is difficult to think of anything that he has done successfully during his time with the organization. He had ample time to review the organizational structure and decide who should occupy the positions but he has appeared to dither away the opportunity to be ahead of the other teams and now we are well behind them. No matter how strongly one can argument for getting rid of JM/SM, it would seem that a much stronger argument could be put forth for firing Copeland. Maybe he will surprise us all and pull this mess out of the fire but based on his past performance, that appears to be highly unlikely.

Couldn't agree more.

With Copeland's approach to staffing, I feel the Argos are drifting towards total indifference even among some of their hardcore fan base, which is already very small.

[AngeloV]

Let's face it -- if the Argos sign any FAs tomorrow or in the days to come, almost every CFL fan in Canada is going to be astonished. I hope it happens if for no other reason than to force all the experts on these boards to come up with plausible explanations for the impossible.

I have no issue with Zimmerman and Condell running things. As I said, at this point, I'd like to see them as the GM and HC team.

[Argo57]

I have no issue with Zimmerman and Condell running things. As I said, at this point, I'd like to see them as the GM and HC team.

They have a monumental selling job ahead to lure free agents to the Argonauts, I wish them well.

[Jon Gonzo]

They have a monumental selling job ahead to lure free agents to the Argonauts, I wish them well.

Yes indeed. A critical off season, and here we are. What to sell? The old sales saying applies; Zimmerman will need to be able to sell "ice cubes to an Inuit."

Don't know him well enough to say whether this is possible or not, but this is a very untenable position for this young guy to be put in. It's 'seat of the pants' management & exceptionally weak. It's not just getting FA's, but what he pays for them. And this team needs 5 starters on "O" and probably another 5 on "D."

If he can sign/or re-sign 6 quality CFL'ers with past league history and experience -- then I will be rather relieved. That is until the next major challenge is met, and competently addressed, of course. There are plenty of challenges ahead.

I asked a former & current CFL staffer & executive, over the weekend, what they thought. One said that there 'never seemed to be enough time, even when we were afforded the whole amount of time. Don't know how they expect to pull this off."

The other said;

"How are those season's tickets selling in Toronto right now? Can't be good."

Ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing the meaning of the phrase 'behind the 8 ball' live in action.

[Argo57]

Yes indeed. A critical off season, and here we are. What to sell? The old sales saying applies; Zimmerman will need to be able to sell "ice cubes to an Inuit."

Don't know him well enough to say whether this is possible or not, but this is a very untenable position for this young guy to be put in. It's 'seat of the pants' management & exceptionally weak. It's not just getting FA's, but what he pays for them. And this team needs 5 starters on "O" and probably another 5 on "D."

If he can sign/or re-sign 6 quality CFL'ers with past league history and experience -- then I will be rather relieved. That is until the next major challenge is met, and competently addressed, of course. There are plenty of challenges ahead.

I asked a former & current CFL staffer & executive, over the weekend, what they thought. One said that there 'never seemed to be enough time, even when we were afforded the whole amount of time. Don't know how they expect to pull this off."

The other said;

"How are those season's tickets selling in Toronto right now? Can't be good."

Ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing the meaning of the phrase 'behind the 8 ball' live in action.

Sad part is it's self inflicted, could have taken the proactive approach and at least talked to some good young CFL minds ready to take the next step but Copeland decided the paralysis by analysis approach was more suitable and pissed away several weeks in the process.
I have many friends who are longtime Argonaut fans and I can tell you that their contempt for how Copeland is conducting business is unanimous.

[Jon Gonzo]

Sad part is it's self inflicted, could have taken the proactive approach and at least talked to some good young CFL minds ready to take the next step but Copeland decided the paralysis by analysis approach was more suitable and pissed away several weeks in the process.
I have many friends who are longtime Argonaut fans and I can tell you that their contempt for how Copeland is conducting business is unanimous.

There is absolutely no excuse for this type of Management, in any business that has hopes for survival or success.

[Wobbler]

Guys, the point has been made... many times. We all wish there had been a decisive move last year to either endorse the previous management and explain how things would improve or to bring in a new GM with a vision.

[ArgoRavi]

I have no issue with Zimmerman and Condell running things. As I said, at this point, I'd like to see them as the GM and HC team.

I have to admit that I have been wrong all along on this process. I thought that Barker and Milanovich were safe for sure once we got well into January and they are now both gone. Then I thought that they would have a new GM and head coach in place for sure by the start of free agency. At this point, I have no problem with them going with Zimmerman and Condell as the new GM and head coach duo but I really don't know where Copeland's head is at currently.

[Wobbler]

I'm with Ravi - this did NOT play out the way I expected. But here we are.

[1971GreyCup]

Michael Copeland will explain all on Dave Naylore's TSN1050 radio show at 7:20 this morning. I am sure the replay will be available. Let's see if Bell Media who owns both throw him lob balls, or if journalism is alive and well?

[Scooter McCray]

They asked hard questions. To which there were no answers. Same old excuse this is only our second year. I don't think he has anyone lined up for GM.

[Scooter McCray]

Michael Clemons should have been CEO and head of football ops a year ago. He is a man with a vision and passion and understanding of what it takes to win. There is no way Copeland makes that hire because it would mean his job. Ownership needs to make this right.

[1971GreyCup]

They asked hard questions. To which there were no answers. Same old excuse this is only our second year. I don't think he has anyone lined up for GM.

Agreed. Damning evidence that he is over his head right now. President and CEO of the CFL for years but wasted 3 1/2 months talking to football people trying to figure out how to do his job. Hopeless.

[Argo57]

Guys, the point has been made... many times. We all wish there had been a decisive move last year to either endorse the previous management and explain how things would improve or to bring in a new GM with a vision.

Yeap and it will be made several more times.

[Argo57]

They asked hard questions. To which there were no answers. Same old excuse this is only our second year. I don't think he has anyone lined up for GM.

Big shocker there!
Did he mention tailgating?

[Scooter McCray]

Yeap and it will be made several more times.

It will keep being made until good decisions start being made when it comes to the team on and off the field. Copeland speaks of a best in class franchise with a vision of being the best team in the league but does not share any of the how to get there.

[Jon Gonzo]

@TSNDaveNaylor That was the biggest pile of horseshit I've ever heard.....as a 45yr ticket holder, we're screwed...#Argos

— Argoholics (@Finnster1965) February 14, 2017

Talk about lost. Brutal. They should have just kept Barker/Milanovich for another season. Copeland has to go.

[Argo57]

It will keep being made until good decisions start being made when it comes to the team on and off the field. Copeland speaks of a best in class franchise with a vision of being the best team in the league but does not share any of the how to get there.

He will continue to get called out and should.
I'm afraid he doesn't share how he gets there because in truth he has no clue what he is doing which becomes more apparent with each passing day.

[Will]

I have to admit that I have been wrong all along on this process. I thought that Barker and Milanovich were safe for sure once we got well into January and they are now both gone. Then I thought that they would have a new GM and head coach in place for sure by the start of free agency. At this point, I have no problem with them going with Zimmerman and Condell as the new GM and head coach duo but I really don't know where Copeland's head is at currently.

If Ravi is starting to have doubts then you know things are doubleplusungood.