CFL Toronto Argonauts

Michael "Pinball" Clemons received coach of the year nomination

Published on February 16, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto – The Canadian Football League announced today the three finalists for the 2003 CFL Coach of the Year (Annis Stukus award). Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Head Coach of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, was one of three nominees for this prestigious award. This is the second year in a row that Clemons has received this nomination.

Michael "Pinball" Clemons epitomized the phrase courage under fire in 2003. Not only for his team's 9-9-0 record, but for the adversity that stemmed from outside the portables in Mississauga. He showed grace as he carefully balanced the outside forces with his team's efforts on the football field. By season's end the off-field drama had been resolved and the Boatmen came within one touchdown of heading to Regina for a November 16 date with destiny.

Clemons retired after 12 seasons as a player on September 15, 2000 to become the Toronto Argonauts' 38th head coach when he took over from John Huard. In his 12 seasons as an Argo player, Clemons earned three Grey Cup rings (1991,1996 and 1997) and 12 all-time team records, including a world-record for most career all-purpose yards by a professional football player with 25,396 yards. To this day, Clemons, who works tirelessly on behalf of many charities and community groups, remains one of the most popular players to ever don the "Double Blue".

Clemons remarked, "Last year was a year that encompassed many challenges and this recognition is indicative of the character and resolve of the great players on our football team. Understanding the quality of coaches in our great League, I humbly accept this nomination as a representation of the commitment and dedication of all CFL coaches. Finally, I'd gladly exchange this nomination for a Grey Cup."

Adam Rita, Toronto Argonauts VP of Football Operations, was thrilled by the announcement. "Michael is the glue that kept us together throughout the adversity last year. He completely focused on the task at hand, while keeping things fun. Michael is the future of this league. He is a man of outstanding character, an aggressive and progressive thinker with a positive mental attitude that makes him great to be around."

The finalists were selected by 27 members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC). The winner will be announced at the Coach of the Year lunch on February 26, 2004 in Edmonton.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 14 Grey Cup championships to their credit.

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