Player Personnel / GM Search Thread / Coordinator Search Thread

[argotom]

I would go a different direction for our new GM job.
Duane Forde who has been a great TSN on air commentator and who did apply for the RB position, but then taken his name off in the last moment.
Very knowledgeable and has covered the CFL and University leagues here probably like no other.
With Pinball as his boss and frankly moving up to the president's position, Forde would be a sure fit going forward.

[AngeloV]

I would go a different direction for our new GM job.
Duane Forde who has been a great TSN on air commentator and who did apply for the RB position, but then taken his name off in the last moment.
Very knowledgeable and has covered the CFL and University leagues here probably like no other.
With Pinball as his boss and frankly moving up to the president's position, Forde would be a sure fit going forward.

I would have no problem with Forde either.

[OV Argo]

Is Jim Popp available ? - very experienced CFL guy.

[Will]

Is Jim Popp available ? - very experienced CFL guy.

No thank you -- aside from the 2017 miracle season, he didn't do a very effective job.

[cfl-cis fan]

No thank you -- aside from the 2017 miracle season, he didn't do a very effective job.

My opinion is Popp's hand were tied with regards to spending, not so for the season just completed. Different environment with salaries slashed recently. Still think Popp would be good and at least restore some character signings!

[paulwoods13]

My opinion is Popp's hand were tied with regards to spending, not so for the season just completed. Different environment with salaries slashed recently. Still think Popp would be good and at least restore some character signings!

I can't agree with this. Trestman was obviously a good coach for most of his time in the CFL, but his dismissal at the end of 2018 was based at least in part on how he interacted with other members of the staff, not exactly indicative of someone with the type of character we'd want at the top. Hiring Chamblin to replace Trestman was a colossally bad decision by Popp.

Re spending, it's conventional wisdom around the league that the Argos spent without regard to salary-cap constraints this year, but what little evidence we have does not support that notion. Few of the highest-paid players by position (as cited by 3DN, for better or worse) were Argos. It's almost certain that we spent less on the quarterback position than any team other than, maybe, Ottawa. And we had a ton of first-year players whose salaries were kept in check by the CBA.

Popp's days of being an effective GM are done, IMO. I'd far rather give the reins to someone on an upward development trajectory, such as Magri.

[Argo57]

I can't agree with this. Trestman was obviously a good coach for most of his time in the CFL, but his dismissal at the end of 2018 was based at least in part on how he interacted with other members of the staff, not exactly indicative of someone with the type of character we'd want at the top. Hiring Chamblin to replace Trestman was a colossally bad decision by Popp.

Re spending, it's conventional wisdom around the league that the Argos spent without regard to salary-cap constraints this year, but what little evidence we have does not support that notion. Few of the highest-paid players by position (as cited by 3DN, for better or worse) were Argos. It's almost certain that we spent less on the quarterback position than any team other than, maybe, Ottawa. And we had a ton of first-year players whose salaries were kept in check by the CBA.

Popp's days of being an effective GM are done, IMO. I'd far rather give the reins to someone on an upward development trajectory, such as Magri.

Looking back at it the 2017 World Championship was a miracle.
Popp was also the mastermind of offering Bo Levi an outrageous contract on the opening day of free agency in 2019 and subsequently sat around waiting on Mitchell’s answer while most of the top free agents were signing elsewhere.

[Will]

My opinion is Popp's hand were tied with regards to spending, not so for the season just completed. Different environment with salaries slashed recently. Still think Popp would be good and at least restore some character signings!

The 2019 Argos violated the salary cap.

[RB957]

I would go a different direction for our new GM job.
Duane Forde who has been a great TSN on air commentator and who did apply for the RB position, but then taken his name off in the last moment.
Very knowledgeable and has covered the CFL and University leagues here probably like no other.
With Pinball as his boss and frankly moving up to the president's position, Forde would be a sure fit going forward.

I would have no problem with Forde either.

I would love to understand your rationale for thinking Duane Ford would be a sure fit as GM. Don't get me wrong, he is probably my favourite CFL analyst/broadcaster and his knowledge of the game is undeniable. But it is a big stretch to go from sitting up in the booth commenting on the game to sitting in the big chair calling all the shots for a team. Has he had ANY experience in football operations? If the Argos were on more solid footing, this might not be an issue. I just think that it would be taking too big a risk with a team struggling in this market to hand it all to someone without experience. I would be interested to hear your comments.

[AngeloV]

I would love to understand your rationale for thinking Duane Ford would be a sure fit as GM. Don't get me wrong, he is probably my favourite CFL analyst/broadcaster and his knowledge of the game is undeniable. But it is a big stretch to go from sitting up in the booth commenting on the game to sitting in the big chair calling all the shots for a team. Has he had ANY experience in football operations? If the Argos were on more solid footing, this might not be an issue. I just think that it would be taking too big a risk with a team struggling in this market to hand it all to someone without experience. I would be interested to hear your comments.

Nobody is more in touch with Canadian amateur talent than him. Americans can be found easily, but recognizing quality Canadians, especially in the draft is huge. You can always pick up good Canadians in free agency, but that will cost you more. Hiring good American scouts with contacts south of the border is also important, but to me, a much easier job seeing how big the talent pool is.

[Will]

Nobody is more in touch with Canadian amateur talent than him. Americans can be found easily, but recognizing quality Canadians, especially in the draft is huge. You can always pick up good Canadians in free agency, but that will cost you more. Hiring good American scouts with contacts south of the border is also important, but to me, a much easier job seeing how big the talent pool is.

But, if Vince Magri is already doing a fine job of identifying and bringing in Canadian talent then wouldn't a hire of Forde leave the US side ignored?

[paulwoods13]

But, if Vince Magri is already doing a fine job of identifying and bringing in Canadian talent then wouldn't a hire of Forde leave the US side ignored?

I think it's pretty clear that Magri is an ace on the NAT side of the equation. The GM (or whatever they call Murphy's successor) does indeed need to be able to find and sign U.S. talent as well, and to effectively negotiate contracts with vets and free agents. I agree Forde is best suited for a role we are already well equipped for, but if Magri were to be moved up to GM maybe he'd want Forde as his NAT personnel guy.

[AngeloV]

I think it's pretty clear that Magri is an ace on the NAT side of the equation. The GM (or whatever they call Murphy's successor) does indeed need to be able to find and sign U.S. talent as well, and to effectively negotiate contracts with vets and free agents. I agree Forde is best suited for a role we are already well equipped for, but if Magri were to be moved up to GM maybe he'd want Forde as his NAT personnel guy.

Exactly my thoughts Paul. If they deem Magri ready to take on Murphy's job of Director of player personnel (De Facto GM), then Forde would be a great hire to replace Magri in his current role. I would love to see 2 qualified Canadians running the player personnel side of the Argos. If Forde has aspirations to one day be a GM in the league, this would be a great first step for him.