TORONTO - The Toronto Argonauts' search for a new head coach is down to two candidates.
A source requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press on Wednesday that the finalists for the job are former CFL head coach Doug Berry and Calgary Stampeders offensive co-ordinator George Cortez.
The Argos have been on the lookout for a head coach since firing Bart Andrus midway through last month. Toronto hired Andrus prior to the 2009 season despite his not having any previous CFL coaching experience. He struggled with the nuances of Canadian football, posting a dismal 3-15 record in his first season as a head coach in Canada.
Hiring a replacement with previous CFL experience was an off-season priority for Argos president Bob Nicholson, and both Berry and Cortez certainly meet that criteria.
Toronto's interest in Berry isn't surprising as it's been widely reported the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach is a leading candidate for the job. Berry posted a 27-26-1 record in three seasons in Manitoba and guided the Bombers to an appearance the '07 Grey Cup before being fired in November 2008.
The source said Berry had the best interview of the Argos' coaching candidates and was impressive with his overall experience, and his knowledge of Canadian football and the Toronto's Argos roster. Prior to becoming a head coach in Winnipeg, Berry served as an offensive line coach and offensive co-ordinator with the Montreal Alouettes from '99 to 2006.
Cortez's emergence is surprising given he declined an opportunity to interview for the Argos' position following the 2008 season.
Toronto also interviewed Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall for the job, but he has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant head-coaching post in Winnipeg.
Securing an offensive-minded head coach would be a big step for Toronto. Despite boasting one of the CFL's top defences, the Argos have missed the playoffs the last two years with an offence that's been mired at or near the bottom of the league's offensive categories.
And while Cortez is among the CFL's brightest offensive minds, his candidacy in Toronto also seems to shed some much-needed light on the Argos' muddled ownership plight as well. The source said Cortez was given a ringing endorsement from B.C. Lions head coach Wally Buono, who worked with Cortez while the two were in Calgary.
"That (endorsement) will carry a lot of weight when (Lions owner) David Braley buys the team," the source added.
Currently, the Argos are co-owned by Toronto businessmen Howard Sokolowski and David Cynamon. But the two made it clear last season that they would kick around the idea of selling the franchise they rescued from bankruptcy six years ago.
It's been reported Braley could have an interest in purchasing the Argos. In June, it was revealed Braley fronted Sokolowski and Cynamon half the $2-million franchise fee to purchase the Toronto club out of bankruptcy in 2003, and continued to lend the team money.
If Braley purchased the Argos while still owning the Lions the optics could potentially be embarrassing for the CFL. Not only would one man own 25 per cent of the league, it would also create an obvious conflict-of-interest situation.
Still, there is nothing in the CFL's constitution that would prevent one person from owning two teams as the same time.
The CFL, ideally, would prefer that a partner be found to work with Cynamon and Sokolowski and commissioner Mark Cohon has been working with the Argos ownership to that end. However, if one can't be found there is support within the league's board of governors to have Braley as a dual owner.
