Jim Barker
Encyclopedia
Jim Barker is the head coach
and general manager
of the Toronto Argonauts
of the Canadian Football League
.
Barker served as an assistant college football coach at San Francisco State (1978–81), Occidental
(1982–84), New Mexico State (1985–87), University of Nevada, Reno
(1988), and Pomona
-Pitzer
(1989–95). Barker also served as Pomona-Pitzer's head baseball coach concurrent to his work as the Sagehens' offensive coordinator.
Barker's CFL coaching career began in 1996
as a member of the Montreal Alouettes
coaching staff. The Alouettes set a team record for wins, but lost in the Eastern Division Finals to the Toronto Argonauts. In 1997
, he was named the Argonauts' Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach and was instrumental in guiding one of the best offences in CFL history. In 1999
he replaced the departing Don Matthews
as head coach of the Argonauts, becoming the youngest head coach in the CFL.
In 2000, he moved back to the United States and was the Offensive Coordinator of the Los Angeles Xtreme
who went on to win the XFL Championship
. His work with quarterback Tommy Maddox
is well recognized as Maddox went on to win the XFL Player of the Year award and later was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Pittsburgh Steelers
.
In 2002
, Barker was hired to serve as an in-studio analyst on the America One
's CFL telecasts, but instead joined old boss Don Matthews as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach of the Montreal Alouettes
, leading them to their first Grey Cup
in over 20 years. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo
enjoyed his finest season as a pro and was the Terry Evanshen Trophy
winner as Eastern Division
Player of the Year.
He moved to Calgary in 2003 where he served as the Head Coach of the Calgary Stampeders
. He was fired after a 5–13 season and was replaced by Matt Dunigan
.
Jim rejoined the Stampeders in 2005
as General Manager. He acquired several big components, including Henry Burris
, Jeremaine Copeland
, Rahim Abdullah
, and Sandro DeAngelis
. He also played a big role in the 2005 CFL Draft
, selecting players such as John Comiskey, Brett Ralph
, and 1st overall pick Miguel Robede
. These changes helped turned the Stampeders record from 4–14 to 11–7. In 2006
, the Stampeders finished 10–8 and lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders
in the Division Semifinals 30–21. Barker was replaced as general manager by John Hufnagel
after the 2007 season
. He was reassigned to the position of Senior Vice-President of Football Operations and Director of Player Personnel.
On February 9, 2010, Barker returned to the Toronto Argonauts for his second stint as their head coach. After leading the Argos to the playoffs for the first time since 2007
, Barker assumed the role of general manager
on December 15, 2010, replacing Adam Rita
whose contract was not renewed.
The CFL announced on February 25, 2011 that Barker was the Coach of the Year for 2010, winning the Annis Stukus Trophy
.
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
and general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
of the Toronto Argonauts
Toronto Argonauts
The Toronto Argonauts are a professional Canadian football team competing in the East Division of the Canadian Football League. The Toronto, Ontario based team was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest existing professional sports teams in North America, after the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta...
of the Canadian Football League
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
.
Barker served as an assistant college football coach at San Francisco State (1978–81), Occidental
Occidental College
Occidental College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, Occidental College, or "Oxy" as it is called by students and alumni, is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast...
(1982–84), New Mexico State (1985–87), University of Nevada, Reno
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno , is a teaching and research university established in 1874 and located in Reno, Nevada, USA...
(1988), and Pomona
Pomona College
Pomona College is a private, residential, liberal arts college in Claremont, California. Founded in 1887 in Pomona, California by a group of Congregationalists, the college moved to Claremont in 1889 to the site of a hotel, retaining its name. The school enrolls 1,548 students.The founding member...
-Pitzer
Pitzer College
Pitzer College is a private residential liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, a college town approximately east of downtown Los Angeles. Pitzer College is one of the Claremont Colleges....
(1989–95). Barker also served as Pomona-Pitzer's head baseball coach concurrent to his work as the Sagehens' offensive coordinator.
Barker's CFL coaching career began in 1996
1996 CFL season
The 1996 Canadian Football League season is considered to be the 43rd season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 39th Canadian Football League season.-CFL News in 1996:...
as a member of the Montreal Alouettes
Montreal Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions...
coaching staff. The Alouettes set a team record for wins, but lost in the Eastern Division Finals to the Toronto Argonauts. In 1997
1997 CFL season
The 1997 Canadian Football League season is considered to be the 44th season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 40th Canadian Football League season.-CFL News in 1997:...
, he was named the Argonauts' Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach and was instrumental in guiding one of the best offences in CFL history. In 1999
1999 CFL season
-1999 CFL Awards:*CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award – Danny McManus , Hamilton Tiger-Cats*CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award – Mike O'Shea , Toronto Argonauts*CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award – Calvin Tiggle , Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
he replaced the departing Don Matthews
Don Matthews
Don Matthews, a.k.a. "The Don", is a former head coach of several teams in the Canadian Football League and is the second winningest head coach in CFL history with 231 wins...
as head coach of the Argonauts, becoming the youngest head coach in the CFL.
In 2000, he moved back to the United States and was the Offensive Coordinator of the Los Angeles Xtreme
Los Angeles Xtreme
The Los Angeles Xtreme was a professional American football team based in Los Angeles, California. The team was a member of the XFL begun by Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment and by NBC, a major television network in the United States. The team played its home games in the Los Angeles...
who went on to win the XFL Championship
Million Dollar Game
The Million Dollar Game was the XFL's championship game at the end of its only season in 2001. At first it had no special name, then was going to be called "The Big Game at the End," but eventually received the name it ended up with because a pot of one million dollars was to be split among the...
. His work with quarterback Tommy Maddox
Tommy Maddox
Thomas "Tommy" Alfred Maddox is a former football quarterback in the National Football League, the XFL and the Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCLA.-Early years:At L. D...
is well recognized as Maddox went on to win the XFL Player of the Year award and later was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
.
In 2002
2002 CFL season
The 2002 Canadian Football League season is considered to be the 49th season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 45th Canadian Football League season.-CFL News in 2002:...
, Barker was hired to serve as an in-studio analyst on the America One
America One
America One is an over-the-air television network in the United States. The network serves over 170 LPTV, Class A, Full Power, Cable and Satellite affiliate stations...
's CFL telecasts, but instead joined old boss Don Matthews as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach of the Montreal Alouettes
Montreal Alouettes
The Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions...
, leading them to their first Grey Cup
Grey Cup
The Grey Cup is both the name of the championship of the Canadian Football League and the name of the trophy awarded to the victorious team. It is Canada's largest annual sports and television event, regularly drawing a Canadian viewing audience of about 3 to 4 million individuals...
in over 20 years. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo
Anthony Calvillo
Anthony Calvillo is a Canadian Football League quarterback, currently playing for the Montreal Alouettes. He is the all-time professional football passing yards leader and first in all-time CFL passing yards...
enjoyed his finest season as a pro and was the Terry Evanshen Trophy
Terry Evanshen Trophy
The Terry Evanshen Trophy is a trophy awarded to the Canadian Football League East Division's Most Outstanding Player, chosen from the nominees of each team in the division...
winner as Eastern Division
Canadian Football League East Division
The East Division is one of the two regional divisions of the Canadian Football League. Although the CFL was not founded until 1958, the East Division and its clubs are descended from earlier leagues.- Pre-1907 :...
Player of the Year.
He moved to Calgary in 2003 where he served as the Head Coach of the Calgary Stampeders
Calgary Stampeders
The Calgary Stampeders are a Canadian Football League team based in Calgary, Alberta and named in reference to the Calgary Stampede. The Stampeders play their home games at McMahon Stadium...
. He was fired after a 5–13 season and was replaced by Matt Dunigan
Matt Dunigan
Matt Dunigan is a former quarterback, coach, and executive in the Canadian Football League who is currently a CFL sportscaster for Canadian sports television channel TSN...
.
Jim rejoined the Stampeders in 2005
2005 CFL season
The 2005 Canadian Football League season is considered to be the 52nd season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 48th Canadian Football League season.-CFL News in 2005:...
as General Manager. He acquired several big components, including Henry Burris
Henry Burris
Henry Burris, Jr. is a professional Canadian and former American football player. Burris plays the quarterback position with the Canadian Football League Calgary Stampeders. Burris spent one year as a reserve quarterback for the National Football League's Chicago Bears...
, Jeremaine Copeland
Jeremaine Copeland
Jeremaine Copeland is a Canadian Football League wide receiver playing for the Toronto Argonauts. He has also played with the Montreal Alouettes and the Calgary Stampeders, as well as in the XFL and NFL Europe football player.-College career:Copeland attended the University of Tennessee...
, Rahim Abdullah
Rahim Abdullah
Rahim Fahim Abdullah is a former American football player from Clemson University. He was a second round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1999, the year of their return to the NFL...
, and Sandro DeAngelis
Sandro DeAngelis
Sandro DeAngelis is a gridiron football placekicker with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He has also been a member of the Calgary Stampeders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. DeAngelis is the most accurate kicker in CFL history and he won his first Grey Cup championship with the...
. He also played a big role in the 2005 CFL Draft
2005 CFL Draft
-Round one:-Round two:-Round Three:-Round Four:-Round Five:-Round Six:...
, selecting players such as John Comiskey, Brett Ralph
Brett Ralph
Brett Ralph is a former professional Canadian football receiver, who most recently played with the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders. He is the younger brother of fellow CFL receiver Brock Ralph....
, and 1st overall pick Miguel Robede
Miguel Robede
Miguel Robede is a Canadian football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2005 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders...
. These changes helped turned the Stampeders record from 4–14 to 11–7. In 2006
2006 CFL season
-2006 Rogers CFL Awards:* CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award – Geroy Simon , BC Lions* CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award – Brent Johnson , BC Lions* CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award – Brent Johnson , BC Lions...
, the Stampeders finished 10–8 and lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are a Canadian Football League team based in Regina, Saskatchewan. They were founded in 1910. They play their home games at 2940 10th Avenue in Regina, which has been the team's home base for its entire history, even prior to the construction of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor...
in the Division Semifinals 30–21. Barker was replaced as general manager by John Hufnagel
John Hufnagel
John Coleman Hufnagel is a Canadian football coach and former pro quarterback. He is currently the head coach of the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League...
after the 2007 season
2007 CFL season
The 2007 CFL season was the 54th season of modern Canadian professional football. Officially, it was the 50th season of the league, and many special events were held to commemorate the event. Regular-season play began on June 28, 2007 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario and concluded on...
. He was reassigned to the position of Senior Vice-President of Football Operations and Director of Player Personnel.
On February 9, 2010, Barker returned to the Toronto Argonauts for his second stint as their head coach. After leading the Argos to the playoffs for the first time since 2007
2007 Toronto Argonauts season
The 2007 Toronto Argonauts season was the 50th season for the team in the Canadian Football League and 135th season overall. The Argonauts finished the regular season 11–7 and finished in first place in the CFL's Eastern Division.-CFL Draft:-Preseason:...
, Barker assumed the role of general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
on December 15, 2010, replacing Adam Rita
Adam Rita
Adam Rita is a Canadian Football League executive who has served as the head coach of Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Rough Riders, and BC Lions and as general manager of the Lions and Argonauts....
whose contract was not renewed.
The CFL announced on February 25, 2011 that Barker was the Coach of the Year for 2010, winning the Annis Stukus Trophy
Annis Stukus Trophy
The Annis Stukus Trophy is a Canadian Football League trophy, which is presented annually by the Edmonton Eskimos Alumni Association to the Coach of the Year, as determined by the members of the Football Reporters of Canada...
.
CFL coaching record
| Team | |Regular Season | TOR 1999 Toronto Argonauts season The 1999 Toronto Argonauts finished in 3rd place in the East Division of the 1999 CFL season with a 9–9–0 record and lost the East Division Semi-Finals.- CFL Draft:-Preseason:- Season Standings:-Regular season:-Postseason:... |
1999 1999 CFL season -1999 CFL Awards:*CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award – Danny McManus , Hamilton Tiger-Cats*CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award – Mike O'Shea , Toronto Argonauts*CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award – Calvin Tiggle , Hamilton Tiger-Cats... |
9 | 9 | 0 | .500 | 3rd in East Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Semi-Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGY 2003 Calgary Stampeders season The 2003 Calgary Stampeders finished in 5th place in the West Division with a 5–13–0 record and failed to make the playoffs.- CFL Draft:-Preseason:- Season Standings:-Season schedule:-References:... |
2003 2003 CFL season The 2003 Canadian Football League season is considered to be the 50th season in modern-day Canadian football, although it is officially the 46th Canadian Football League season.-CFL News in 2003:... |
5 | 13 | 0 | .278 | 5th in West Division | – | – | Missed Playoffs | ||
| TOR 2010 Toronto Argonauts season The 2010 Toronto Argonauts season was the 53rd season for the team in the Canadian Football League and their 138th overall. The Argonauts successfully improved upon their 3–15 record from 2009 and their 4–14 record from 2008 and qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2007... |
2010 2010 CFL season The 2010 CFL season is the 57th season of modern Canadian professional football. Officially, it is the 53rd season of the league. Edmonton is scheduled to host the 98th Grey Cup on November 28... |
9 | 9 | 0 | .500 | 3rd in East Division | 1 | 1 | Lost in Division Finals | ||
| TOR 2011 Toronto Argonauts season The 2011 Toronto Argonauts season is the 54th season for the team in the Canadian Football League and their 139th season overall. The Argonauts were eliminated from playoff contention on October 10, 2011 and failed to make a second straight playoff appearance, finishing 4th place in the East... |
2011 2011 CFL season The 2011 CFL season was the 58th season of modern Canadian professional football. Officially, it was the 54th season of the league. The complete schedule was released on February 18 and featured the defending Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes opening the season against the visiting BC Lions on... |
6 | 12 | 0 | .333 | 4th in East Division | – | – | Missed Playoffs | ||
| Total | 29 | 43 | 0 | .403 | 0 Division Championships |
1 | 2 | 0 Grey Cup Grey Cup The Grey Cup is both the name of the championship of the Canadian Football League and the name of the trophy awarded to the victorious team. It is Canada's largest annual sports and television event, regularly drawing a Canadian viewing audience of about 3 to 4 million individuals... s |
|||