Argonauts HC Milanovich resigns, takes job as Jaguars QB coach
Three days after the team fired general manager Jim Barker, Toronto Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich is the next man out the door.
The veteran of five seasons manning the Argonauts sidelines handed in his resignation Friday, according to Matthew Scianitti of TSN, citing multiple CFL sources.
The resignation appears to have come with a direct purpose, as Milanovich immediately made the jump to the NFL, accepting the vacant quarterback coaches position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Scott Milanovich brings a variety of experience to our coaching staff, and we are eager for him to get started," Jaguars executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin said in a statement Friday. "Working closely with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, we expect the quarterback position to deliver positive results under Scott's direction and guidance."
Milanovich also released a statement, thanking the Argonauts organization for the opportunity to lead the boatmen.
"I would like to thank the Argonauts' Ownership, President and CEO Michael Copeland, the staff, all the players and coaches, and most importantly, the wonderful city of Toronto and the loyal fans for the opportunity to serve as your head coach for the past five seasons," Milanovich said.
Milanovich made an immediate impact when he joined the Argonauts in 2012, leading the team to a Grey Cup victory in just his first season at the helm. The following four seasons saw the Argos make the playoffs just twice, and a disappointing 5-13 record last season ultimately led to Milanovich deciding to step away.
The 44-year-old spent his college career as the quarterback for Maryland, before moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccanneers as an undrafted free agent, spending three seasons with the Bucs from 1996-99.
Milanovich then moved on to play in four different leagues over the next four years, beginning with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe in 2000, the Los Angeles Xtreme of the short-lived XFL in 2001, the Tampa Bay Storm of the AFL in 2002, and making the last stop of his playing career with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL in 2003.