truebluefan

Mississauga - At a media conference this morning, the Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced that Rich Stubler has been named the team's new Head Coach. Stubler, who has spent the past five seasons as the Argos' Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, becomes the 39th Head Coach of the Double Blue over the past century.

Rich Stubler began his CFL coaching career in 1983 when he joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, helping lead the team to a Grey Cup championship in 1986, the first of four in his career. In 1990, Stubler spent one season as Defensive Coordinator for the Argonauts before joining the Edmonton Eskimos' coaching staff for five seasons (1991-95), winning his second league championship in 1993. After a two-year stint as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Oregon, he rejoined the Eskimos from 1998-99 before moving on to help the B.C. Lions capture the Grey Cup in 2000.

As former Head Coach and new CEO of the Boatmen, Michael "Pinball" Clemons passed the torch to Stubler, he offered these sentiments, "Through the transition from player to coach, Rich Stubler has been my most trusted friend, ally and colleague. Both as men and professionals, we have grown together. We experienced the highs and the lows and our commitment to the Toronto Argonauts and each other never wavered. For this reason, it is with an unspeakable joy that I announce Rich Stubler as 39th Head Coach of this century. There was no other choice to take our team to the next level, present company included. His commitment is unparalleled, his knowledge of the game well-documented and his passion to be a champion unrivaled. I present to you one of my best friends, Head Coach Rich Stubler."

Commented Rich Stubler, "At the request of and in my respect for Mike Clemons, I returned to coach in the CFL in 2003. David Cynamon, Howard Sokolowski and Adam Rita joined us soonafter. Through their vision, love of the game and the fans, the Argonauts traditions were reignited. I have been blessed to be a part of the revitalization on the field and the work in our communities off the field. These initiatives are successful because of the dedication of great individuals in this club. As Head Coach, the Argonauts family has given me the opportunity to realize my dream - finding ways to bring the Grey Cup back to Toronto is my goal."

Adam Rita, General Manager/VP, Football Operations, remarked, "Rich was the unanimous choice for this position. Rich has done an outstanding job for us as Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator and has a desire to do this job so it's a match made in heaven. This move provides us with leadership, continuity and experience."

Over the past five seasons, Stubler's defence has been virtually impenetrable allowing a league-low 163 touchdowns in 90 regular season games, or 1.81 touchdowns per game. He has engineered a scheme that has become the best pass defence in the CFL and his team's 48-0 triumph over Hamilton in 2005 was the Argos' first shutout since 1979 - and the first of Stubler's professional coaching career. Since Stubler took over, the Argos have named 19 defensive players to the CFL All-Star team and 27 defensive players to the East Division squad. Two Argos players, Jonathan Brown (2007) and Michael Fletcher (2005), have been named finalists for the CFL's Outstanding Defensive Player award.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, celebrating their 134th anniversary in 2007. As Toronto's #1 community team through player involvement, community programs and The Argos Foundation - Stop The Violence, the Toronto Argonauts, a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. For 2008 season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. For more information on the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, please visit argonauts.ca.

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