Sep 13, 2021
Argos reach out to ex-Riders head coach Jones
Chris Jones could be returning to the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts, according to TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor.
TSN.ca Staff
Chris Jones could be returning to the Canadian Football League, according to TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor.
The former Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach and general manager may join the Toronto Argonauts as a defensive consultant, although no decision has been finalized, general manager Pinball Clemons told Naylor on Monday.
Naylor tweets that the Argos are without two coaches -- defensive coordinator Glen Young and defensive backs coach Josh Bell -- who are on leave. This comes after Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment implemented a policy requiring all employees not already under a collective bargaining agreement to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The @TorontoArgos are without 2 defensive coaches at practice today ,who are now on leave ... DC Glen Young and DB coach Josh Bell. This comes after MLSE implanted a policy requiring all employees (not under a CBA) to be vaccinated. #CFL #Argos
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) September 13, 2021
Naylor tweets that Rich Stubler will call the defensive game this week, while Young will retain the defensive coordinator title while on leave.
According to @TorontoArgos GM Pinball Clemons, Rich Stubler will call the defensive game this week. Team has reached-out to several potential defensive consultants, including former CFL head coach Chris Jones. Clemons said a decision has not been finalized. #CFL #Argos
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) September 13, 2021
Clemons said Glen Young will retain the defensive co -ordinator title while on leave. The GM said he was very emotional addressing the team about the coaching situation Monday morning. #CFL #Argos
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) September 13, 2021
Jones, 54, left the Riders in 2019 to take a job as a defensive specialist with the Cleveland Browns under head coach Freddie Kitchens. The Browns parted ways with Jones after one season and he most recently worked as head coach with South Pittsburg High School in Tennessee.
Jones confirmed he was leaving the school in a quote to a Chattanooga newspaper.
“A position came open in professional football and I was offered the job over the weekend. I haven't slept hardly since that offer came. It's a position that I felt like I couldn't turn down because it's what's best for my family," Jones said.
Chris Jones quote in Chattanooga newspaper … “A position came open in professional football and I was offered the job over the weekend. I haven't slept hardly since that offer came. It's a position that I felt like I couldn't turn down because it's what's best for my family.”
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) September 13, 2021
The Roughriders posted a 27-27 record in the three seasons with Jones at the helm. In 2018, he led the team to second place in the West Division with a 12-6 record, earning CFL Coach of the Year honours.
Prior to joining the Roughriders, Jones spent two seasons as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos and led the team to a Grey Cup in 2015.
Jones also worked in various coaching positions with the Argos, Montreal Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders.