Toronto Argonauts Taking Defensive Coordinator By Committee Approach In 2024
One of the most prominent questions surrounding the Toronto Argonauts this offseason has been how they would replace star defensive coordinator Corey Mace.
It's been four months since Mace ascended to his new role as leader and head coach of the Saskatchewan franchise. Since Mace's departure in November, the growing sense from inside the organization is that Toronto would move forward using a committee approach to fill his role.
Sports Illustrated has learned that Kevin Eiben and William Fields will be acting as co-defensive coordinators for the Argonauts this season.
With the CFL Draft approaching in late April and training camp starting in May, the Boatmen's staff met several days last week to discuss the team's defensive approach this coming season.
Unlike the sometimes-bloated staffing in the NFL, where multiple coaches often oversee one position, CFL teams have a more condensed approach when it comes to coaching. Toronto, however, is pretty thin on the defensive staff, even by league standards, with just three coaches on that side of the fence.
Returning to Toronto's defensive staff from 2023 is respected longtime Argonaut Eiben (linebackers) and one of the league's top assistants in Fields (defensive backs). Former Toronto player and CFL lifer Demetrious "D-Max" Maxie will join the two returnees as defensive line coach, returning to the organization for which he starred.
Kevin Eiben was born on 28 September 1979. The 5-time all-star LB played 11 seasons (2001-11) in double blue, winning a Grey Cup, and won a second title as ST coach with the 2017 @TorontoArgos. This summer TSN named Coach Eiben to the club's all-time CFL roster.@kevineiben35 pic.twitter.com/Yi3hdgsOK0
— Bygone Boatmen (@BygoneBoatmen) September 29, 2020
Toronto's defensive coaching trio is slated to work in unison coordinating the Argonauts' defense, with each taking responsibility for segments of the unit.
It's common in football circles for multiple coaches to have a hand in coordinating, with the coach with a coordinator title sometimes getting more than their share of credit. There are also instances where an assistant will have billing in name alone while the head coach assumes play-calling responsibility.
Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is more than just an accomplished offensive play-caller. The CFL Coach of the Year often delves into every team unit, and therefore may take the approach of being a supervisor of the team's defense.
However, ultimately, someone will need to call the defensive plays. To that end, Eiben and Fields have experience in that area. Nevertheless, replacing Mace's leadership and brilliant play-calling will be challenging. It might take three heads for Toronto to do it.
CFL Most Outstanding Rookie Qwan'tez Stiggers Sets NFL Pro Day After Combine Snub
You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.
Catch up with CFL on FanNation on Facebook and X.
Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.