ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts believe Scott Milanovich’s experience with quarterbacks will finally bring stability back to the position.
Since Damon Allen retired in 2008, the Argonauts’ search for a reliable starter has been a struggle. Supporters of the Double Blue hope that after spending five seasons in Montreal working with the CFL’s all-time leading passer Milanovich will finally have some answers.
Argonauts.ca has extensive coverage of Milanovich’s hiring including an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with the new sideline boss.
» Scott Milanovich named Head Coach
» Video: Milanovich 1-on-1
» Video: Argos Introduce Milanovich
» Photos: Milanovich Meets Media
» Video: Barker on Milanovich
» Video: Van Zeyl on Milanovich
» Milanovich Names Coordinators
» Video: Meet The Coaches
A career backup quarterback, Milanovich spent his entire playing career studying opposing defences and offences which allowed him to gain a strong understanding of what is required from the position.
As the Alouettes’ offensive coordinator, Milanovich was successful while working with Anthony Calvillo. Under his guidance, the Als consistently featured the league’s most explosive offence, winning two Grey Cups during his tenure.
Knowledge of the quarterback position, however, is something that Milanovich gained well before his days with Calvillo.
Milanovich attended the University of Maryland from 1993-1996 and remains the Terrapins’ all-time leading passer with 7,301 passing yards and 49 touchdown passes.
It’s an impressive feat considering the school’s history of producing quarterbacks, most notably former NFL player Boomer Esiason. Esiason was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL MVP in 1988. Other notable Maryland quarterbacks include: Ticats’ great Bernie Faloney, Neil O’Donnell, and Jack Scarbath.
His university may turn out quarterbacks as well as any other but so does the town he grew up in. The area of western Pennsylvania is also the same place that has produced such greats as Joe Namath, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, Jim Kelly, Tom Clements and the list goes on.
Milanovich played three seasons in the NFL, serving behind Trent Dilfer as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ third string quarterback from 1996-1999. He also had stints in the AFL and XFL before finishing his career with the Calgary Stampeders in 2003.
The new Argonauts’ new head coach brings an experienced voice that his quarterbacks can trust, and he’s proven he is an effective play caller and designer at this level. Argos fans will get to see how effective he is when his charges take the field in 2012.