New Argos coach Dinwiddie looking for ‘experienced staff’
Now that he’s got the gig as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, Ryan Dinwiddie needs to assemble a staff, a process he has already initiated.
“I want an experienced staff,’’ he said during Friday’s introductory news conference held at BMO Field. “And I don’t want a group of young guys. I’ve already told friends no in the last few weeks who heard something about this (his role as Argos head coach). That’s tough to do in this business, but I want guys who care about their players. Like Michael (Clemons) said, teachers, very organized guys who get the most out of meeting time. Right now, we’re looking at quality coaches rather than friends who are young.
“We want to have a variety of old and young. I’ve obviously talked to some guys. We haven’t finalized it quite yet, but we’ll get it done real soon.”
Dinwiddie, whose home is in Elk Grove, Calif., will make Toronto his home. In attendance Friday were Dinwiddie’s wife and little boy.
Dinwiddie knows success will be measured by wins.
He thanked all the people who were instrumental in providing him with his first crack as a head coach, people such as Larry Tanenbaum and Dale Lastman, MLSE, Bill Manning, John Murphy, Dave Dickenson and John Hufnagel, Clemons, who had the courage to hire a rookie head coach, and Jim Popp, who gave Dinwiddie his first coaching job in Montreal.
Popp, as Dinwiddie explained, interviewed Dinwiddie for the Argos’ offensive co-ordinator job last off-season.
“My wife was pregnant and it just wasn’t the right time,” Dinwiddie said. “I was intrigued by the position, but becoming head coach was too hard to pass up. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Exciting is what Dinwiddie wants the Argos to become when they hit the field next season.
Fundamentals will be preached as Dinwiddie remains focused on a defensive co-ordinator who wants to be aggressive and a special teams that must be physical.
“Michael has been in my chair (as head coach, 2000-01, 200207) and he’ll be a huge sounding board,” Dinwiddie said.