Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

When defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler is officially unveiled as head coach of the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday, handling the media spotlight will only be the first in a series of hurdles facing him as he heads into his first season in control of his own team.

Offensive co-ordinator Steve Buratto is reportedly set to interview for a head coaching vacancy in Montreal on Thursday, and if he lands the job, the Argos would have to enter training camp with their third offensive assistant in as many seasons.

There are also decisions to be made on potential free agents such as linebacker Mike O’Shea and running back John Avery.

“We’re not going to do anything until all the dust settles here, as far as our management team and who our next head coach is going to be,” Argos general manager Adam Rita said Tuesday. “We haven’t solidified anything yet.”

Stubler had not actually signed a contract as of Tuesday afternoon. The team is expected to hold a news conference Thursday, where Stubler will finally be issued his promotion. Defensive assistant Kavis Reed will move up the ladder into Stubler’s old job.

There is hope among team executives that Stubler will be able to spread the pride of his defence throughout the roster. Toronto’s defence has dragged the franchise through some of its worst offensive droughts, and allowed fewer points per game (15.9) than any other Canadian Football League team last season.

The Argos had four players (Kevin Eiben, O’Shea, Willie Pile and Kenny Wheaton) finish among the top 10 defensive tacklers. Lineman Jonathan Brown recorded 13 sacks to finish second in the league, and the entire unit led the way with 25 interceptions.

Stubler has empowered veteran players to enforce the rules, explain the scheme and keep teammates in line. The commitment to his elder statesmen has instilled loyalty and helped create a core of consistency that has been lacking on offence.

Toronto was held to one point through three quarters of its East Division final loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last month. Quarterback Michael Bishop has been touted as the starter, but the team will have to decide whether to bring in another arm to challenge him next spring.

Stubler has been working as a CFL assistant, on and off, since 1983. He made it a policy not to speak with reporters during the regular season, and it is believed he will not allow his assistants to speak with the media next season, preferring the message come from one mouth.

Michael (Pinball) Clemons, his predecessor, excelled in dealing with the media and will likely offer tips in his new role as Toronto’s chief executive.

“The replacement on the football field will be announced on Thursday,” Clemons said. “It’s something that we have been in the works with, and been working on.”