Love Pinball Clemons. Sucks that he's done as coach. But CEO, wow...
http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/news_story/?ID=224338&hubname=
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Clemons done as coach, now Argos' CEO
TSN.ca Staff
12/4/2007 2:22:31 PM
After two stints over eight seasons at the helm, Michael 'Pinball' Clemons stepped down as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts on Tuesday.
Clemons will stay with the organization in the capacity of chief executive officer.
"I have been very fortunate in my life and today I embark upon a new phase of my career, and again life has smiled on me," said Clemons on Tuesday. "I'm still coaching, this time a different type of team."
Clemons will be on TSN's "Off the Record" today at 6:00pm/3:00pm pt. You can watch the show on demand on TSN Broadband at TSN.ca.
The Argos made another move by adding Brad Watters as chief operating officer.
"I look forward to the opportunity of continuing to build the Argonauts brand in Toronto. Growing up in this city, I have always been a fan of the Argos and to be able to do this in my hometown is an honour," said Watters.
The moves help to solidify the club's front office after Keith Pelley resigned as president to become president of the CTV-Rogers consortium that will broadcast the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Clemons will be responsible for the overall vision and direction the Argonauts. He will also oversee Football Operations, acting as "a key resource" for Adam Rita, Vice President, Football Operations, and will act as the team's Governor at the League level.
Watters served as chairman of the 2007 Grey Cup committee and also worked as an executive for the Ottawa Renegades. Watters will manage the day-to-day business operations for the Argos, including marketing, corporate partnerships and sales. He will report to Clemons.
The Argos did not announce a new head coach. Local reports have suggested that defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler is the running favourite.
Co-owners Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon said they were very happy with the new structure.
"David and I are thrilled to install Michael and Brad at the helm of the Toronto Argonauts," said Sokolowski in a press release. "Their combined leadership, vision and business acumen will take this team to the next plateau. Their skill sets complement one another and we feel lucky to be able to secure these two men as our management team."
The announcement ends months of speculation over Clemons' future with the club. As the season wound down, there were reports he might relinquish his coaching duties. However, the popular Clemons responded to the rumours by saying he would sit down with his family following the season.
After a brilliant playing career with the Argonauts, Clemons became head coach of the team in 2000 as owner Sherwood Schwarz attempted to regain the fan's trust during a turbulent time. Following the 2001 campaign, he was elevated to team president and Gary Etcheverry was named head coach.
However midway through the 2002 season, Etcheverry was fired and Clemons returned to the sidelines, propelling the team into the playoffs for the first time in three years. In 2004, he guided the Argonauts to their first Grey Cup victory in seven years.
Last season, Clemons became the second winningest coach in Argo history behind only Bob O'Billovich. This past season, he guided the Argonauts to a first-place finish in the East Division with an 11-7 record before bowing out to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East Final.
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