O’Shea back as Argos special-teams co-ordinator
Posted January 19, 2012 12:08 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Mike O’Shea is back as the Toronto Argonauts’ special-teams co-ordinator.
The CFL club announced O’Shea’s return Thursday. The former star linebacker had been interviewed this off-season by both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats for their respective head-coaching positions.
After being bypassed for both jobs, O’Shea decided to return to Toronto and become a part of new head coach Scott Milanovich’s staff.
“I am thrilled that Mike O’Shea has chosen to stay with the Toronto Argonauts,” Milanovich said in a statement. “He is fiercely competitive and his extensive knowledge of the game will be an invaluable addition to our staff.
“I am confident that we share a similar approach to preparing players in a disciplined but aggressive manner that our players will respond to.”
O’Shea spent 16 seasons in the CFL with both Hamilton and Toronto. He became the Argos’ special-teams co-ordinator in 2010 under then head coach Jim Barker.
Barker stepped down as coach following the 2011 season to concentrate full-time on being the club’s GM. He hired Milanovich, a former Montreal Alouettes offensive co-ordinator, as his replacement on the sidelines.
“I would like to thank Scott and Jim (Barker) for allowing me to take some time in making my decision,” O’Shea said. “I look forward to getting back to work with the most dedicated special teams players in the league.
“I’m excited to continue the learning process that is pro football under Scott’s leadership.”
O’Shea won three Grey Cups as a player with Toronto and finished his career as the second-leading tackler in CFL history with 1,151.
In other developments Thursday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders released backup quarterback Ryan Dinwiddie. The 31-year-old joined the Riders as a free agent prior to the 2010 season after being released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
He completed 62 of 123 passes for 950 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions during his time as incumbent Darian Durant’s backup. Dinwiddie also ran for 65 yards on 13 carries.
Saskatchewan also signed offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg and defensive lineman Boo Robinson.
