Music: {allcanada} Struggling Argos fire Garber

Friday, August 5, 2011

{allcanada} Struggling Argos fire Garber

TORONTO -- The struggling Toronto Argonauts have fired defensive co-ordinator Chip Garber.

The move came one day after a 36-23 loss to Montreal dropped the Argos record to 1-5. Garber was replaced by Orlondo Steinauer, the team's secondary coach.

"Chip is a great man and this is never an easy thing to do," head coach Jim Barker said Friday. "This decision was not based on one game, but has been an ongoing process and evaluation over the past year and a half. I feel, moving forward, this change is in the best interest of our organization."

After winning their opening game of the season, the Argos have dropped five straight while allowing an average of 31.4 points against.

They are last in the East Division.

Garber and Steinhauer were both added to Barker's staff in February 2010. Garber was a former assistant with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with decades of experience in the U.S. college ranks while Steinauer was a former CFL safety who spent eight years playing for the Argos.

The defensive co-ordinator position represents another step in Steinauer's progression through the coaching ranks.

"I feel Orlondo is ready for this position as he brings an in-depth knowledge of the Argo defence," said Barker. "His experience as a player as well as the past year and a half as an assistant coach will help him transition smoothly into this expanded role."

Toronto visits Hamilton next week.