By hiring Eric Tillman as their GM, the Argonauts completed the first
of many steps needed to successfully navigate their way toward the 1999
season. The February 3 hiring of Eric Tillman was completed in such
rapid fashion that he did not even have time to, in his mind, adequately
dress for the news conference.
Tillman indicated that among the next orders of operations is the
acquisition of a new head coach, a process that he said was going to be
done right, and to do so, proper time and consideration will have to go
into assembling the list of candidates.
Prior to the hiring of Tillman, team President Bob Nicholson was
responsible for attempting to secure personnel for the head coaching
position, in addition to signing Toronto's present free agents. Now
having acquired a GM, Nicholson will no longer be concentrating his
efforts on the coaching requirements, he will instead leave that role to
Tillman.
In the February 3rd news conference, Tillman indicated that he expects
to hire from with in the organization. On top of the list would have to
be present co-offensive, co-coordinator John Jenkins. However
co-offensive, co-coordinator counterpart (try saying that five times
fast), Jim Baker, can not be over looked for the position.
The best solution to the head coaching situation, however, may present
itself in the form of Bill Bradley, the present defensive backs coach of
the Buffalo Bills. Hiring Bradley would reunite the managerial unit
(with the obvious exception of Matthews) that took the Argonauts to the
1997 Grey Cup. Not to mention, Bradley's return could for seeably help
in the resigning of a couple key defensive free agents.
With the February 15th free agency deadline approaching very rapidly,
Eric Tillman, and the yet to be determined head coach, will have a
significant amount of work waiting for them.
To this point, among the most noted Argonaut free agents are: Pinball,
Masotti, and O'Shea. The future of Pinball and Masotti most certainly
still lyes with Toronto, while O'Shea may be a different story. As one
of the leagues best defensive players, O'Shea's services are going to be
sought after by more than a couple teams.
Also noted in the press conference was Tillman desire to establish a
more effective running game for 1999, a measure that will serve to take
a significant amount of pressure away from Bell. For this to effectively
take place an established running back (Drummond) would have to be
brought in either through a trade, or free agent signing.
Worth while notes:
Bell is investigating possible opportunities in the NFL, but Tillman
appears to be sold on his abilities as a quarterback, and would like to
see him remain in Toronto. Should Bell be presented with an NFL offer
the Argonauts are already relatively deep at QB, but do lack veteran
experience.
Dave Dickenson, back-up to Jeff Garcia, is going to be a free agent
come February 15th, should he not be re-signed by the Stamps. If that is
the case, look for him to land a starting role with one of the teams
struggling at the helm.
Among other Argos investigating NFL options are Derrell Mitchell, and
Nigel Williams. Should either of these players be lost, a major hole
will develop in the Argonaut receiving corps; however suitable
replacements might exist in the back-up positions with Dmytryshynm,
Kirwan, English and Batson. None of whom have yet been able to establish
themselves as dominate offensive weapons, but given adequate involvement
in the offense, it will only be a matter of time. Additionally, like any
year, the 1999 should be rich with free agent receiving talent.
