Toronto Argonauts wish Ryan Dinwiddie best with Ottawa Redblacks, start head coaching search

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The Toronto Argonauts are suddenly in the market for a new head coach following the departure of Ryan Dinwiddie to the Ottawa Redblacks.

“We want to thank Ryan for everything he brought to this organization over the last five seasons. A capable, competent, and committed coach, he delivered more than we could have asked,” said general manager Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons in a statement.

“Two Grey Cup championships, a Coach of the Year Award, a 16-2 regular season, and the fourth-most wins for a coach in Toronto Argonauts history. Ryan’s impact on the organization will be forever appreciated. The Argonauts owe a debt of gratitude to Ryan and wish him all the best going forward. The search for a new head coach is underway.”

Dinwiddie joined the Argonauts in 2020 following coaching stints with the Montreal Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders. He went 51-35 in regular-season action with Toronto, plus 5-2 in the playoffs with two Grey Cup wins.

The 44-year-old native of Elk Grove, Calif. was named the new head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Redblacks on Wednesday, signing a contract through 2028. Shawn Burke, the team’s incumbent general manager, has been moved to vice-president of football operations.

The Toronto Argonauts finished third in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Franchise quarterback Chad Kelly was unable to play all season due to a fractured leg he suffered in the East Final the previous year, giving way to Nick Arbuckle, who threw for 4,370 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions to be named the team’s candidate for Most Outstanding Player.

The Argonauts ranked seventh in net offence, sixth in net defence, and seventh with a turnover differential of minus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Spencer Brown with 314 yards, leading receiver was Dejon Brissett with 907 yards, and leading tackler was Cameron Judge with 79 tackles. Toronto ranked ninth in attendance with average crowds of 15,109, which was a 0.1 percent decrease from the previous year.