Jim Barker Relieved of his Duties

[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.

[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

[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.

[RB957]

I must admit I was waiting for news, but did not expect this. Like others, what took so darn long to make this move? I wish Jim all the best as he moves on.

I wish Jim Barker all the best as well. For whatever faults he had, he did a good job IMO especially through the last year's of Braley's ownership. I can't imagine how difficult it was with no money, no support, lousy practice facility etc. etc., but through all that, he was still able to find and bring in a lot of good players.... and put on a positive face for the organization. I think he deserved one more year, but I appreciate not everyone else feels that way. I also agree with the other comments that it looks like Micheal Copeland doesn't know what he is doing. I hope I am wrong and that they can turn things around.

[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.

[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.

[Neely2005]

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

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

[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.

[argotom]

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


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

[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.

[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?

[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?

[BATKINSON001]

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050...trous-1.657151

Lawless: Argos Timing May Be Disastrous
CFL on TSN Insider Gary Lawless talked to Scott MacArthur about the puzzling front office shakeup by the Argos and who may replace GM Jim Barker



If they do bring an nfl guy in, I seriously hope he is like tressman and surrounds himself with cfl people who know what their doing. Otherwise this could end up being another bart andrus run team, and if you all recall, that season was a disaster.

[Wobbler]

Maybe they were planning to stick with Barker but someone of particular interest just became available? That's the only explanation (aside from dithering) I can think of for the late move.

[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.

[bluto]

Maybe they were planning to stick with Barker but someone of particular interest just became available? That's the only explanation (aside from dithering) I can think of for the late move.

If that proves to be the case, that will make the odd timing make a lot more sense (but still a month and a half or so too late).
If that proves to not be the case, this is set up to be a historical blunder.

I feel sick about this when I think of the football I'm likely to see this summer...

[Shipyard]

Maybe they were planning to stick with Barker but someone of particular interest just became available? That's the only explanation (aside from dithering) I can think of for the late move.

if its anything other than bringing in trestman and popp combo, this is a disaster

[ArgoGabe22]

Rumour has it, Hufnagel's contract is expiring or expired at the end of last season (February like FAs?). We have 2/3 same owners who went after Shanahan, Lou and Babcock. Do they offer a nice big contract to Hufnagel to become GM and Director of Football Operations/football czar?