Former GM Jim Barker to join Toronto Argonauts’ front office

Photo courtesy: Toronto Argonauts

Longtime CFL personnel man Jim Barker is joining the Toronto Argonauts in a front office role, per sources.

The Argos have been looking to make an addition to their football operations department since John Murphy was terminated as vice president of player personnel in December. Barker served as the team’s general manager for six seasons from 2011-2016, winning a Grey Cup in 2012.

The 64-year-old joined the Ticats as a consultant in January 2019 and added the role of offensive assistant following the departure of June Jones. He had ties to head coach Orlondo Steinauer from their time in Toronto with Barker giving the former standout defensive back his first coaching job in the CFL in 2010 with Toronto.

Barker first joined the league as a coach with the Montreal Alouettes in 1996. He’s been head coach of the Argos twice and spent five years with the Calgary Stampeders as head coach, general manager, and vice president of player personnel.

As a head coach, Barker has a 29-43 win-loss record including a 1-2 record in the playoffs. He’s compiled a 77-84-1 mark as a GM with a 3-5 record in the postseason and one Grey Cup.

The Pasadena, Calif. native has been a part of four championship teams during his time in the CFL and he spent the 2021 season as a panelist for the CFL on TSN.