An Outstanding Interview with Jim Barker

[ArgoRavi]

3downnation.com's John Hodge interviewed Jim Barker for 45 minutes and Barker was about as open and honest as you can ask for: https://youtu.be/vCjKeqfDKhg?si=rVy2Pvcs4zgwDCza

I think several on this forum will feel better after hearing this interview. Barker says the Argos made a mistake in trading Dejon Allen and moving Ryan Hunter from guard to tackle. He talks about improving both lines and even floated making defensive end a Canadian position if he can sign Paris Shand and Luigi Vilain - both of whom he has already reached out to - to go along with incumbent Jeremiah Ojo. Barker also raved about Marcus Grandison and Melissa Frith in football ops and says that he's got two young Canadian guys ready to start and scout with him in January. I also like his honesty regarding TSN who he thought was going to use him again in 2024 but ended up not doing so. I have heard rumours of an acrimonious split between Matt Dunigan and TSN and Barker sounded disappointed with the sports network himself.

Anyway, this is very much worth the listen with lots of great information.

[paulwoods13]

It's still clear as mud (to me, at least) who does what in the front office. I get why Barker had to dance around this because he's not in charge, but I came away with no greater understanding of what Clemons and Hufnagel will be doing. Barker appears to be in charge of personnel recruitment, which is probably no worse (and maybe better) than having Murphy doing it. Hufnagel adds some heft to an operation that was ridiculously thin the last couple of years. But I don't have any sense that Hufnagel will be working full-time. Barker definitely talks (and talks, and talks) a good game, but the proof will be in the pudding, as they say. Let's see them sign back Dejon Allen, sign those two NAT d-ends, make some other good moves in free agency, pick up (and sign) some promising talent in the draft, etc.

[ARGO57]

3downnation.com's John Hodge interviewed Jim Barker for 45 minutes and Barker was about as open and honest as you can ask for: https://youtu.be/vCjKeqfDKhg?si=rVy2Pvcs4zgwDCza

I think several on this forum will feel better after hearing this interview. Barker says the Argos made a mistake in trading Dejon Allen and moving Ryan Hunter from guard to tackle. He talks about improving both lines and even floated making defensive end a Canadian position if he can sign Paris Shand and Luigi Vilain - both of whom he has already reached out to - to go along with incumbent Jeremiah Ojo. Barker also raved about Marcus Grandison and Melissa Frith in football ops and says that he's got two young Canadian guys ready to start and scout with him in January. I also like his honesty regarding TSN who he thought was going to use him again in 2024 but ended up not doing so. I have heard rumours of an acrimonious split between Matt Dunigan and TSN and Barker sounded disappointed with the sports network himself.

Anyway, this is very much worth the listen with lots of great information.

I agree Ravi, I think a new approach with different sets of eyes evaluating the current roster, recruiting and handling free agency is exactly what this franchise needs at this time.
Glad to see the team introducing some new blood in the scouting department which was also sorely needed, onward and upward!
Now let’s see how the entire coaching staff shakes out?

[OV Argo]

Surely somebody in the Argo football ops. staff has been keeping track of or in contact with former Argo draft picks like Vilain, Shand or J. Wayne? Or is this supposed to be some big new initiative by Barker ?

Looking forward to seeing Argo off-season FA signings (and will a bunch of guys flee again?) and also the draft thinking. Hoping Mr. Barker has learned lots over the years, plus will have some good football people to assist.

[ARGO57]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/21/jim- ... world-cup/

[paulwoods13]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/21/jim- ... world-cup/

Keeping the football operation at U of G from camp until the WC ends always made sense from a football standpoint. Guelph's facility is excellent. But I wonder if it might deter some older free agents who have families from signing with the Argos. Would you really want to live in a dorm for three months? I assume that's what will be offered. I can't see any player wanting to commute daily between Toronto and Guelph, and I doubt players will be able to arrange ultra-short-term accommodations in Guelph.

[shayman]

It was nice to hear Jim Barker say "I feel bad for the fans" regarding the absurd 2026 schedule. A little acknowledgement of fan frustration from MLSE at last.

[IssuesMcgee]

It's interesting how different Mr. Barker is when he is not on the TSN panel.

He's not stumbling or forgetting names, and he sounds downright confident. It's good to see him like this and it's an encouraging sign.

[ARGO57]

It's interesting how different Mr. Barker is when he is not on the TSN panel.

He's not stumbling or forgetting names, and he sounds downright confident. It's good to see him like this and it's an encouraging sign.

He’s back in a job that he is very comfortable doing.

[ARGO57]

Hopefully Barker and his staff can make good on improving the O-Line and D-Line both of which struggled badly last season.

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/23/jim- ... -was-over/