Barker the pick for coach of the year

The February conclave of the CFL in Vancouver provided the answer to the question of who was the CFL's coach of the year for 2010.

Toronto Argonauts head coach Jim Barker was given the nod at the CFL meetings, his work in rebuilding the Argonaut brand in Toronto deemed a worthy achievement in the last year,  so much so that he came out atop the list of three to claim the title for 2010.

Barker was selected over two formidable options, those being Grey Cup champion coach Marc Trestman and now former Saskatchewan Roughrider head coach Ken Miller who brought the pride of the Rider Nation back to prominence in the last number of years.

Barker becomes the latest CFL coach to have his name added to the list of winners of the Annis Stukus Trophy, another important step in the development of a culture of winning in the CFL's pivotal Toronto franchise.

To that end, runner up Marc Trestman in a most congenial response offered up praise to Barker's work in Toronto, showing much of the class CFL observers have come to expect from the Montreal coach. 

Trestman summed up the main thrust of the accolades coming the way of Barker upon his win, telling the Montreal Gazette that "He (Barker) took a team and gave them hope. He put the team in position to win and win a championship."

Trestman's thoughts and some other observations on the coach of the year selection can be found below.

Montreal Gazette-- Trestman: 'Barker deserving'

Montreal Gazette-- Barker credits Matthews

Montreal Gazette-- Emotional time for CFL's coach of the year

Vancouver Province-- Barker named CFL's top coach

Vancouver Sun-- Barker gets props for righting Good Ship Argos

Toronto Star-- Argo's Jim Barker wins CFL coach of the year

Toronto Sun-- Argos' Barker voted CFL's top coach

National Post-- Argos' Barker named CFL coach of the year

Globe and Mail-- Barker named CFL coach of the year 

TSN-- Arguments for all three coach of the year finalists

Quick Snaps Montreal Alouettes - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Montreal Alouettes.


February 28-- Ahman Green says he'll play for Alouettes
February 25-- Trestman: "Barker deserving"
February 25-- Former Als' DB dead
February 18-- 2011 schedule released
February 17-- Alouettes put money where mouth is
February 17-- Tiger-Cats snap up Cobourne
February 17-- Guzman returning to Als
February 17-- Alouettes shore up secondary
February 17-- Bernard will get chance to prove himself with Alouettes
February 16-- Cobourne headed to Ticats
February 16-- Cobourne "bittersweet" over decision to leave Alouettes
February 16-- Als close to signing Crawford?
February 16-- Als dip into free-agent pool
February 16-- Als sign former NFL receiver
February 16-- Alouetttes shore up defence by adding all star defensive back Anderson
February 15-- Alouettes not likely to spend big on free agents
February 15-- Alouettes add NFL veteran Porter
February 15-- Als release QB Leak
February 14-- After 17 years, Calvillo Still a Winner
February 14-- 'Negotiations are tough,' Als' Cobourne says
February 12-- The Don instilled Als' swagger
February 11-- Matthews and Als a match made in gridiron heaven
February 10-- The Don to be enshrined
February 7-- Jones named defensive backs coach, Als complete staff
February 3-- Als need president with vision to take team to another level
February 3-- Cahoon to coach receivers at BYU
February 2-- Alouettes sign five players to contracts

Quick Snaps proposed Ottawa franchise - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the conditional franchise in Ottawa.

February 24-- Sports innovation would be good for Ottawa
February 19-- Appealing Lansdown plan lacks credibility

Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Toronto Argonauts.


February 25-- Argos' Jim Barker wins CFL coach of the year
February 25-- Barker named CFL coach of the year
February 25-- Belli 'not looking to leave' the Argos
February 25-- Argos' Barker voted CFL's top coach
February 25-- Barker gets special surprise at awards luncheon
February 25-- Free agent Belli has more QB's 'to crush'
February 25-- Argos' Barker named CFL coach of the year
February 25-- Belli 'not looking to leave' the Argos
February 18-- Argos will want to test Jackson before signing
February 18-- Argos won't play Tiger-Cats in Labour Day classic this season
February 18-- No Labour Day Classic for Argos, Ticats
February 18-- Signing ex-Lion Jackson risky business
February 18-- Argos won't play in Labour Day Classic this season
February 18-- Argos dip into free agency and sign safety Wes Lysack
February 18-- Argos announce signing of Lysack
February 15-- Toronto Argonauts sign Michael Hancock, Chad Kackert and Dee Webb
February 17-- Argonauts find new radio home at TSN
February 16-- Argonauts sign free-agent safety Wes Lysack
February 16-- Argonaut Huntley ready to put the pedal to the metal 
February 16-- Barker will talk to free agent Jarious Jackson
February 16-- Argos likely to stay the course
February 15-- Argos' Barker re-iterates possibility of standing pat in free agency
February 14-- Argos could stay out of free agent market
February 14-- Argos sign trio of imports
February 9-- Argos ink Rempel through the 2013 season
February 8-- Owens re-signs with Argos
February 8-- Special teams star Owns returns to Argos
February 8-- Chad Owens commits future to Argos
February 8-- Owens chooses Argos over NFL
February 8-- Argos lock up Chad Owens through 2013
February 8-- Argos re-sign Owens
February 7-- CFL Tough guy Kuntz was all heart at home
February 4-- Argonauts re-sign Boatmen; add Powers and Richardson

Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Hamilton Tiger Cats


February 26-- Baggs' camp stresses life skills as well as football
February 26-- No ordinary Joe
February 24-- Porter signs contract extension
February 23-- Obie looking to talk trade in Vancouver
February 23-- Jamall hungry for football
February 22-- Tiger-Cats sign Jamall Johnson to extension
February 22-- Johnson signs contract extension with Ticats
February 18-- Argos won't play Tiger-Cats in Labour Day Classic this season
February 17-- Obie hopes signings put Ticats over the playoff hump
February 16-- Tiger-Cats sign Cobourne
February 11-- McManus: Lancaster family 'put me on the right path'
February 8-- Bauman gets fresh start, big money from Esks
February 8-- "Toughest' Ticat, Bobby Kuntz dies.
February 3-- A 'champion every day,' Bobby Kuntz dies
February 3-- Ticats lose McIntyre to NFL's Jets

Quick Snaps Winnipeg Blue Bombers - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.


February 26-- Pigskin Samurai
February 26-- Palardy proves he's worthy
February 26-- Bombers, Als, Stampeders mourn ex-CFLer Bell, 36
February 25-- Bombers clear on receivers' status
February 25-- Blue Bombers mourn 'tough competitor' Ricky Bell
February 22-- Preparing for all eventualities Bombers' approach to QB position
February 22-- Bombers aim to bounce back
February 22-- Bombers re-sign Lobendahn
February 21-- Bombers out to cover bases with Jackson
February 21-- Bombers pursuing B. C. pivot Jackson
February 18-- Friday night lights please Bombers
February 18-- Blue agree to terms with Khan, Lobendahn
February 18-- Bombers lock up Obby Khan
February 18-- Bombers schedule released
February 17-- Bombers bid RBs goodbye
February 16-- All quiet on Blue Front
February 15-- Free agents already lining up dance partners
February 11-- Bombers lose Hunt
February 10-- Doug Brown back for 11th season with Bombers
February 9-- Doug Brown back for 11th season with Bombers
February 8-- Esks don't waste any time
February 8-- Bombers interested in reacquiring Gauthier
February 8-- Kentucky Hall of Fame welcomes ex-Bomber
February 7-- Bombers miss out on Bauman
February 2-- Blue taking hard look at Bauman
February 1-- Bauman sweepstakes to begin

Quick Snaps Saskatchewan Roughriders - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

February 28-- Omarr Morgan deserved a Grey Cup ring
February 28-- Sask. government to speak on future of new Regina Stadium
February 25-- Better football facility and redeveloping CP railcards are a must for Mayor Pat Fiacco
February 24-- Banjo Bowl should be played on Thanksgiving weekend
February 24-- Free-agent Sean Lucas agrees to new deal with Saskatchewan Roughriders
February 23-- Best option is to renovate Mosaic Stadium
February 23-- Veteran linebacker Sean Lucas re-signs with Riders, team confirms
February 23-- Regina domed stadium doomed if no federal funding announced: Sask. government
February 22-- Saskatchewan gives Ottawa ultimatum on stadium
February 18-- From survival mode to success, Greg Marshall has seen it all
February18-- CFL free agent Sean Lucas would 'prefer to return to Saskatchewan'
February 18-- Riders' Greg Marshall excited to work with veteran CFL coaches
February 18-- Riders sign free-agent Tearrius George
February 18-- Saskatchewan Roughriders to open 2011 season at home on July 3
February 18-- Regina's Marc Mueller has surprise for scouts at 2011 CFL evaluation camp
February 17-- CFL free agents are no showstoppers
February 17-- Saskatchewan Roughriders sign offensive lineman George Hudson; lose Williams, Smith and Francis to free agency
February 16-- Sean Lucas considering offers from Roughriders and a few other CFL teams
February 16-- The Goat is a great friend
February 15-- Riders weren't forced to take part in deadline deals
February 15-- Riders re-sign linebacker Ky Stewart as free agent deadline looms
February 4-- Andy Fantuz is 'locked in and hopefully not locked out'

February 4-- Riders move forward without Andy Fantuz
February 4-- Riders' Andy Fantuz signs with NFL's Chicago Bears

February 4-- Riders hire Steve Buratto as offensive line coach

February 3-- Saskatchewan Roughriders sign Regina product Neal Hughes to a new contract

February 3-- Why can't Doug Berry receive some credit?

February 2-- Lance Frazier signs new contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders

February 1-- Riders name Craig Dickenson special teams co-ordinator

February 1-- Riders employ well-established defensive co-ordinators

Quick Snaps Calgary Stampeders - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Calgary Stampeders.

February 23-- Linebacker Jackson signs deal with Stamps
February 23-- Key d-man back for Stampeders
February 18-- Stamps, Ticats to square off in Moncton
February 18-- Stamps maritimes bound
February 17-- Walkosky bolsters Stamps' coaching staff
February 17-- Wayward skates make Stamps' equipment man nervous
February 17-- Stamps lose Anderson, add Tisdale
February 17-- Anderson departs Stampeders with no hard feelings
February 16-- Gracious Stamps hand locker room over to Flames
February 16-- Stamps' Anderson destined for Alouettes: Raymond
February 16-- Stamps sign pair of free agents
February 15-- Stamps make Bryant deal official
February 15-- Bryant thrilled to re-sign with the Stampeders
February 15-- Stamps may lose two more starters
February 15-- Stamps sign free-agent kick returner Larry Taylor
February 14-- Stampeders re-sign long snapper Randy Chevrier
February 11-- Rambo signs contract extension with Stamps
February 11-- Hall call touches ex-Stamps standout
February 10-- Stamps re-sign Rambo
February 8-- Stamps re-sign lineman DeVone Claybrooks
February 3-- Stamps, Romby Bryant, come to terms, says report
February 2-- Rob Lazeo makes it official: Stamp him done
February 2-- Burris favours the Green and Gold on Super Sunday
February 2-- Stamps' Lazeo expected to announce his retirement 

Quick Snaps Edmonton Eskimos - February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the Edmonton Eskimos.








February 28-- Barnes looks to successful return to Eskimos
February 24-- Zabransky headed out the door?
February 23-- Ray, Maas look back at shared Eskimos history
February 23-- Esks release quarterback Jason Maas
February 22-- Esks report 2010 net loss of $2.343M
February 22-- Ex-Esks Maas: No regrets
February 22-- Eskimos to have no Maas
February 18-- Esks to open regular season in Regina
February 17-- With 71 players on Eskimos' roster, something has to give
February 17-- Eskimos' Crandell to coach former foe
February 17-- Eskimos unveil coaching staff
February 16-- Esks size up Ramsay
February 16-- Edmonton Eskimos sign two free agents
February 16-- Esks' brass rolls up its sleeves, signs two more Ticats' free agents
February 16-- Esks raid Tabbies for Canadians
February 16-- Esks go quick to Reid
February 15-- Esks jump into free agent market
February 14-- Eskimos' Tillman low-key as CFL free agency kicks in
February 12-- Matthews stands out in company of men
February 11-- Canadian Football Hall of Fame welcomes Don Matthews
February 10-- Five Esks named to HOF
February 10-- Former Eskimos head coach Matthews headed for CFL Hall of Fame
February 10-- Newest Eskimo assistant was offered job in Hamilton
February 9-- Esks run with McKnight
February 9-- Eskimos likely to be minor players when CFL Free agent marketplace opens
February 8-- Eskimos name running  backs coach
February 7-- Eskimos sign ex-Tiger-Cat Bauman 
February 7-- Eskimos sign Canadian WR Bauman 
February 7-- Esks don't waste any time
February 7-- Can Con a priority for Esks' football
February 6-- Eskimos back their Green and gold brethren in Super Bowl
February 4-- Nichols gets second shot with Esks
February 3-- Esks scoop up former Riders DB
February 1-- Esks sign Fisher, may want Bauman, Gauthier

Quick Snaps BC Lions- February 2011

Items of note that don't get the full blog treatment, but offer up news and background on the British Columbia Lions.




February 27-- Seahawks Eye Kelowna's Danny Watkins
February 26-- CFL Congress a non-event in Vancouver
February 26-- Congressional findings
February 25-- Angus Reid: Heart of a Lion
February 25-- At Congress, Braley's teams never lose
February 25-- Lions sign QB Jackson to extension
February 24-- Ups and Downs end with Jackson deal
February 24-- To the Lions, Jarious Jackson is not your average backup QB
February 24-- J-Jax means a lot to the Lions
February 24-- Orange may look better with more green
February 24-- Jarious Jackson staying put
February 23-- Joseph still eager to hook up with Lions
February 23-- Frank-s talk
February 22-- Ben Archibald gives Lions piece of mind
February 22-- B. C. Lions, new O-line star Ben Archibald, happy with gridiron marriage
February 22-- Signing of Ben Archibald gives the Lions solid bookend tackles on the OL
February 22-- Logjam on the line
February 21-- Trophy-winner looks good on Lions
February 18-- 2011 Lions schedule is here
February 16-- Free agent market musings
February 16-- Here's the deal: Lions sign Eric Taylor
February 16-- Strike two DLs from list
February 15-- Running the option (year) play
February 11-- A few Matthews memories
February 11-- Name your Hall of Fame Lions play
February 10-- Nearing 11th hour on Jackson
February 8-- Lions get stadium kick off
February 7-- Fall raising of roof set
February 3-- Sanchez not letting tie slow him down, re signs with B. C. Lions
February 3-- Sanchez signs new two-year contract with Lions
February 2-- Turn about fair pay for Sanchez
February 2-- Lions lock up leader Davis Sanchez with contract
February 2-- Davis Sanchez sings with Lions
February 2-- Lions sign CB Sanchez to three year extension
February 1-- An old topic to kick around