  The Argos will wait for the ownership issue to be resolved before announcing Jim Barker as their new head coach. (QMI Agency file)
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The Argonauts have scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, when they will introduce Jim Barker as their head coach.
Meanwhile, reports suggesting there is a deal in place for David Braley to buy the Argos from David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski are incorrect, two CFL sources said on Monday afternoon.
“They’re still finalizing the details,” a source saidon Monday afternoon. "Braley does not feel comfortable taking it before the (CFL) board (of governors) yet.”
Published reports have said an approval from the board is all that is needed to make the sale official.
An approval will not come until Tuesday at the earliest.
Barker will replace Bart Andrus, who was fired in December after the Argos went 3-15 in 2009.
In Barker, the Argos will employ a man who has not been a CFL head coach since 2003, when he was 5-13 with the Calgary Stampeders and was fired.
In 1999, Barker coached the Argos to a 9-9 mark, but was let go after just one season.
Barker’s most recent job was as senior vice-president of football operations/director of player personnel for the Stamps.
It’s not yet known what the future holds for Argos general manager Adam Rita, but it’s not inconceivable that Rita and Barker would work side-by-side in trying to rebuild the team. With free agency opening on Feb. 16, the addition of a sound football mind such as Barker will be a bonus. And, with the disturbing manner in which the Argos have fallen apart on the field in the past two seasons, the addition of a man with extensive CFL experience is required.
Player personnel director Greg Mohns and director of scouting Miles Gorrell might be looking for work once all of the changes are made.
