TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that Corey Chamblin has been named the 44th head coach in team history.

Chamblin, 41, returns to Toronto after spending 2018 at the University of Arkansas as quality control and defensive backs coach. Chamblin saw immense success as the Argos defensive coordinator in 2017 and under his guidance, the Argonauts defence produced six East All-Stars, tied for the league lead in sacks (50), led the CFL in opponent rush yards/game (82.8), finished second in both opponent net offence/game (329.1) and opponent yards per play (6.1). It was his stellar defence in the 105th Grey Cup that saw a 109-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and a game-sealing interception in the end zone help cement the club’s record 17th championship.

“We believe Corey is the best possible fit to help bring the Toronto Argonauts Football Club back to the top of the CFL,” said team President Bill Manning. “Our organization’s ultimate goal is to win Grey Cups for our city and fans and bringing Corey back to Toronto is the first step in reaching those goals.”

The native of Birmingham, Alabama, was at the helm of the Saskatchewan Roughriders between 2012-2016. In 2013, Chamblin was honoured as CFL Coach of the Year after leading the Riders to an 11-7 regular-season record, capped off with a 45-23 Grey Cup victory over Hamilton. Previous to Saskatchewan, Chamblin made coaching stops in Hamilton (defensive coordinator, 2011), Calgary (defensive backs, 2008-2010), Winnipeg (defensive backs, 2007) and the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe (assistant defensive backs, 2006).

“I am extremely excited to be back in Toronto,” said Head Coach Corey Chamblin. “This is a very talented roster with whom I have experience with. Winning Grey Cups are the objective and with the support I have received from ownership, the sky is the limit for this team.”

“Corey’s leadership, CFL experience, and familiarity with the Argonauts family catapulted him to the top of the list of candidates and made the decision clear who our next Head Coach will be,” said GM Jim Popp. “He is a former Grey Cup-winning Head Coach so he knows what it takes to win and we are thrilled he is back in Double Blue.”

As a player, the former Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle, spent time between 1999 and 2004 with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe.