Jim Barker Relieved of his Duties

[gilthethrill]

Not a fan of this move. Like others, I say if it had to be done, should have been done 6 weeks ago.

Maybe it's time for me to give up my season tickets because the team didn't do what I personally wanted. (obvious sarcasm).

Agreed. If they were going to cut Barker adrift, do it in November. I feel they would have been wise to keep him this late in the off season.

[Mightygoose]

Can someone recap what Copeland said in the interview for those who were not in a position to listen (like myself)
Thanks!

[Neely2005]

What led to Barker's release?
TSN's Mike Hogan and Matthew Cauz talk about what led to Jim Barker's firing as Argonauts general manager and share the letter that was sent by Toronto's president Michael Copeland sent to Argos season ticket holders.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/what-led...elease~1042070

[gilthethrill]

What led to Barker's release?
TSN's Mike Hogan and Matthew Cauz talk about what led to Jim Barker's firing as Argonauts general manager and share the letter that was sent by Toronto's president Michael Copeland sent to Argos season ticket holders.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/what-led...elease~1042070

Did anyone else notice Hogan's facial expression when he mention what Jim gave up for Willy?

[Argo]

What a typical Toronto Argonauts gong show.

First of all, Milanovich should have been fired immediately at last season's end. And Barker.

But since the organization has piddled away so much time, Barker might as well have stayed for one final season.

Now, at this late date, Barker is fired, and we're still apparently, awfully, stuck with Milanovich.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

The timing of this move is confusing to be polite. You would hope that the club has some master plan for turning the franchise around but historically that has never been the case. The upper management of this team certainly makes supporting them more than challenging.

I like Jim Barker and appreciate what he has done for this club but I would have fired his ass 5 minutes after the Willy trade.

[doubleblue]

This is weird at this time, just like the trade for Willy. Can't add much that hasn't already been said. But like many the first words I uttered hearing the news on the radio, was "Why Now".
I did mentioned somewhere before that maybe Copeland was waiting for the NFL season to end in order to hire someone who was under contract there until now.
I always liked Jim Barker and don't put all the blame on him for the Willy trade, but I guess he would have had to have the final say. He will move on and may just retire, but I think he could be a valuable scout still for some team.

[Neely2005]

Naylor discusses the timing of Barker’s firing
TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor was a guest on TSN1050 Tuesday to discuss what led to the firing of Jim Barker and whether or not the Argos might take a look at Jim Popp for the vacant GM position.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/naylor-d...firing~1042081

[Bleeds Double Blue]

The way this club has been run in recent years Popp would be an appropriate choice.

[ArgoRavi]

I am sad to see Barker go but if the Argos have decided to move on, so be it. I would guess that they have a pretty good idea as to whom they want to replace him but we will find out soon enough. Still another three weeks to free agency and several months until training camp so the timing doesn't really concern me.

[argotom]

I am sad to see Barker go but if the Argos have decided to move on, so be it. I would guess that they have a pretty good idea as to whom they want to replace him but we will find out soon enough. Still another three weeks to free agency and several months until training camp so the timing doesn't really concern me.

You would think, but I am not so sure any more with this organization?

[Will]

I am sad to see Barker go but if the Argos have decided to move on, so be it. I would guess that they have a pretty good idea as to whom they want to replace him but we will find out soon enough. Still another three weeks to free agency and several months until training camp so the timing doesn't really concern me.

But, it did take the Argos long enough to simply get to this point. That doesn't instill much confidence for a due diligent search for a new GM, but we shall see.

[Neely2005]

Five reasons why the Barker firing is another blight on the Double Blue

http://3downnation.com/2017/01/24/fi...t-double-blue/

[Reggiemac]

And another negative about the timing. It didnt give Barker an opportunity to find employmen in the cfl. Certainly reduced his chancesby keeping him bound to the argos. He did need to pay for the .willy trade as it was a season killer when it was announced and we paid way too much

[ArgoRavi]

And another negative about the timing. It didnt give Barker an opportunity to find employmen in the cfl. Certainly reduced his chancesby keeping him bound to the argos. He did need to pay for the .willy trade as it was a season killer when it was announced and we paid way too much

With two years still left on his Argos contract, I am guessing that Barker has no plans of working in 2017 anyway.

[Gill The Thrill]

Better late than never imo. I would've preferred the firing take place after their last game, but perhaps they didn't have anyone already lined up. I'm pretty sure that with this timing, they've just about got a deal with someone in secret.

Let's face it, the Sports media in Toronto is not always going to be chasing stories and following the moves of the Argonauts front office, so I would not expect them to know about it. For Pete's sake, many had no idea Mike Babcock was coming to coach the Leafs, and several in the Toronto sports media already reported him shuffling off to Buffalo, and that was the NHL team in this market. Can you really expect real journalism and scoops from the guys today. The days of Pat Marsden, Jim Hunt, and I'll say it, Marty York leading the way with scoops on CFL news in Southern Ontario are long gone in comparison to the shills and cheerleaders that make up Sports journalism and reporting in this city today.

How could some of you say they might as well have kept Barker for this season? Did you watch that product that he put on the field last year? Who would want to sit through that again?

Popp and Trestman would be a huge upgrade...Jim Popp on his own would be an upgrade based on the type of defensive players that he brings in to the league. Say what you will about the Als struggles to replace Anthony Calvillo at QB since his retirement, but the defense has kept them in many games against the top teams. The Argos recruitment of defensive players under Barker has been pretty bad over the last 2 seasons. I could swear Calgary could've put 70-80 points vs the Argos at BMO last year...that's not a pro football defense that can hardly be called an effort.

[DanoT]

If Copeland had a new GM under contract in his pocket then it would have been announced by now. With Free Agency 3 weeks away a Argos team without a GM is a handicap that the Argos can ill afford. Taking 3 months time to assess and evaluate the Argos situation is a smoke screen for incompetence. Copeland should be fired for this and the Grey Cup ticket sales fiasco.

[Will]

I thought as we got into new year and the Argos re-signed some guys that Barker was safe, but I guess not.
Argos need to act fast here as I fear that Toronto wouldn't be an attractive destination for FA without a permanent GM in place.

[1971GreyCup]

I thought as we got into new year and the Argos re-signed some guys that Barker was safe, but I guess not.
Argos need to act fast here as I fear that Toronto wouldn't be an attractive destination for FA without a permanent GM in place.

Maybe, although I can't imagine it to be on the FA checklist.

[argotom]

Here is another good summary, couldn't agree more.


http://3downnation.com/2017/01/24/fi...t-double-blue/