Mike Miller is not only the new head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, but he will also serve as the team's offensive coordinator and assume playing duties.
The 55-year-old made the announcement at his introductory press conference on Tuesday, where he addressed the media alongside general manager Mike “Pinball” Clemons.
“I want to thank our coaches, our players and our staff.” Miller said. “I think we have some really great people here and it's been a pleasure working with them. I'm excited to work with them at this level and moving forward.”
Despite his kind words for his fellow coaches, it remains unclear who will return with Miller in 2026, as he indicated he is “in discussions” with existing staff and will continue to communicate with them “over the next few days.” 3DownNation It was previously reported that Toronto's only assistant coach currently under contract through 2026 is co-defensive coordinator Jason Shivers.
Miller also recognized Ryan Dinwiddie, who left the team last month to become head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Redblacks.
“(Dinwiddie) and I worked together in Montreal (in 2013) and when I left there, he said, 'If I ever get a chance, I'll hire you.' A lot of guys have said that over the years and he kept his word and gave me the opportunity to come here and be a part of everything we achieved, so a lot of respect to him and a big thank you.”
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native spent the last four years as Toronto's defensive backs coach, playing a key role in the team's success. Miller coached McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Nick Arbuckle to their 2022 and 2025 careers, respectively, and Chad Kelly to his 2023 MOP season.
Shortly after Dinwiddie's departure, the Argonauts reportedly hosted Mike O'Shea for several days of interviews. However, when he eventually decided to return to the Blue Bombers, Toronto began interviewing a variety of other candidates, most of whom were internal assistants such as Shiver, special teams coordinator Mickey Donovan, co-defensive coordinator Kevin EibenAnd wide receivers coach Pete Costanza.
Clemons said he was very impressed with how well many of the internal candidates interviewed.
“In the hiring process, we look for the best person for the job,” Clemons said. “We started interviewing our guys and thought, ‘Wow! Maybe we won’t have to go too far!” It was just a great experience and obviously we looked outside first. When we went back inside, we found this guy.”
Given that Clemons is so enamored with the team's assistant coaches, it makes sense that he and Miller would want to retain as many of them as possible. However, time will tell how many of them decide to stay and how many decide to go somewhere else, perhaps even to Ottawa, where they will be reunited with Dinwiddie.
In 2025, the Toronto Argonauts finished third in the East Division standings with a 5–13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Franchise quarterback Chad Kelly was unable to play the entire season due to a broken leg he suffered in the Eastern final last year, giving way to Nick Arbuckle, who threw for 4,370 yards, 26 touchdowns and 15 interceptions to be named by the team. Most Outstanding Player candidate.
The Argonauts ranked seventh in net offense, sixth in net defense and seventh in turnover differential of minus-eight. The club's leading rusher was Spencer Brown with 314 yards, the leading receiver was Dejon Brissett with 907 yards, and the leading tackler was Cameron Judge with 79 tackles. Toronto ranked ninth in attendance with an average attendance of 15,109, down 0.1 percent from the previous year.
