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Jim Barker
Jim Barker
from Wikipedia

James Barker (born August 25, 1956)[1] is an American professional football executive who is the director of player personnel for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Barker served as the general manager of the Calgary Stampeders from 2005 to 2007, and the Argonauts from 2011 to 2016. He was also the head coach of the Argonauts in 1999, with the Stampeders in 2003, and then again with the Argos from 2010 to 2011. He has also been a sports analyst for the CFL on TSN. Barker has also served as a football operations consultant and assistant coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He is a five-time Grey Cup champion having won twice as an assistant coach and three times as a football administrator.

Key Information

Coaching and executive career

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College football

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Barker served as an assistant college football coach at San Francisco State (1978–81), Occidental (1982–84),[2] New Mexico State (1985–87), Nevada (1988) and Pomona-Pitzer (1989–95). Barker also served as Pomona-Pitzer's head baseball coach concurrent to his work as the Sagehens' offensive coordinator.

CFL

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Barker's CFL coaching career began in 1996 as a member of the Montreal Alouettes coaching staff. The Alouettes set a team record for wins, but lost in the Eastern Division Finals to the Toronto Argonauts. In 1997, he was named the Argonauts' Co-Offensive Coordinator and offensive line coach and was instrumental[according to whom?] in guiding one of the best offences in CFL history. In 1999 he replaced the departing Don Matthews as head coach of the Argonauts, becoming the youngest head coach in the CFL.

XFL

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In 2000, he moved back to the United States and was the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Xtreme who went on to win the XFL Championship. His work with quarterback Tommy Maddox is well recognized[by whom?] as Maddox went on to win the XFL Player of the Year award and later was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Return to the CFL

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In 2002, Barker was hired to serve as an in-studio analyst on the America One's CFL telecasts,[3] but instead joined old boss Don Matthews as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach of the Montreal Alouettes, leading them to their first Grey Cup in over 20 years. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo enjoyed his finest season as a pro and was the Terry Evanshen Trophy winner as Eastern Division Player of the Year.

He moved to Calgary in 2003 where he served as the head coach of the Calgary Stampeders. He was fired after a 5–13 season and was replaced by Matt Dunigan.

Barker rejoined the Stampeders in 2005 as general manager. He acquired Henry Burris, Jeremaine Copeland, Rahim Abdullah, and Sandro DeAngelis and played a role in the 2005 CFL draft, selecting players such as John Comiskey, Brett Ralph, and first overall pick Miguel Robede. These changes helped turn the Stampeders' record from 4–14 to 11–7. In 2006, the Stampeders finished 10–8 and lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Division Semifinals, 30–21. Barker was replaced as general manager by John Hufnagel after the 2007 season. He was reassigned to the position of senior vice-president of football operations and director of player personnel.

On February 9, 2010, Barker returned to the Toronto Argonauts for his second stint as their head coach. After leading the Argos to the playoffs for the first time since 2007, Barker assumed the role of general manager on December 15, 2010, replacing Adam Rita, whose contract was not renewed.[4]

The CFL announced on February 25, 2011, that Barker was the Coach of the Year for 2010, winning the Annis Stukus Trophy. Prior to the 2012 CFL season, Barker made a trade that brought All-Star quarterback Ricky Ray from the Edmonton Eskimos to Toronto to help an offense that had struggled for some time. That move, and others, helped the Argonauts win the league's 100th Grey Cup at Rogers Centre.

After six seasons as the general manager of the Argonauts and compiling a 49–59 record in that time span, Barker was fired on January 24, 2017.[5] Barker spent the 2018 season as a TV analyst on TSN.

On January 3, 2019, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Barker would join the team as a football operations consultant.[6] Following the departure of June Jones just prior to 2019 training camp, Barker also added the title of offensive assistant for the 2019 season.[7] For the 2020 season, he was also named a special teams assistant coach.[8] However, the 2020 CFL season was cancelled and Barker was not retained for the 2021 season.[9]

Barker re-joined the CFL on TSN broadcasts as an analyst for the 2021 CFL season.[10] Following the 2021 season, on March 4, 2022, Barker agreed to re-join the Toronto Argonauts as a senior advisor.[11] On April 30, 2023 Barker stepped down from his role with the Argos.[12] On May 5, 2023, it was announced that he was returning to TSN as a CFL panelist.[13]

On December 8, 2025, it was announced that Barker had re-joined the Argonauts as their director of player personnel.[14]

CFL GM record

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Result
CGY 2005 11 7 0 .611 2nd in West Division 0 1 Lost in West Semi-Final
CGY 2006 10 8 0 .555 2nd in West Division 0 1 Lost in West Semi-Final
CGY 2007 7 10 1 .411 3rd in West Division 0 1 Lost in West Semi-Final
TOR 2011 6 12 0 .333 4th in East Division Missed Playoffs
TOR 2012 9 9 0 .500 2nd in East Division 3 0 Won Grey Cup
TOR 2013 11 7 0 .611 1st in East Division 0 1 Lost in East Final
TOR 2014 8 10 0 .444 4th in East Division - - Missed Playoffs
TOR 2015 10 8 0 .556 3rd in East Division 0 1 Lost in East Semi-Final
TOR 2016 5 13 0 .444 4th in East Division - - Missed Playoffs
Total 77 84 1 .478 1 Division
Championship
3 5 1 Grey Cup

CFL coaching record

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Result
TOR 1999 9 9 0 .500 3rd in East Division 0 1 Lost in East Semi-Final
CGY 2003 5 13 0 .278 5th in West Division Missed Playoffs
TOR 2010 9 9 0 .500 3rd in East Division 1 1 Lost in East Final
TOR 2011 6 12 0 .333 4th in East Division Missed Playoffs
Total 29 43 0 .403 0 Division
Championships
1 2 0 Grey Cups

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jim Barker is an American-born coach and executive in , best known for his over three-decade career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he has won five championships in roles ranging from coordinator to general manager. Born August 25, 1956, in , Barker's CFL journey began in 1996 as an offensive assistant with the Montreal Alouettes, helping the team achieve a franchise-record 12 regular-season wins that year. He advanced to co-offensive coordinator with the in 1997, contributing to their victory that season as part of one of the league's most prolific offenses. In 1999, Barker became the youngest in CFL history at age 42 with the Argonauts, leading them to a 9-9 record before departing after one season. He then served as offensive coordinator for the XFL's in 2001, where the team won the league championship before its collapse. Returning to the Alouettes as in 2002, Barker orchestrated an efficient attack that secured Montreal's title, their first since rejoining the league. He then moved to the in 2003 as , posting a challenging 5-13 record in his only season there. From 2005 to 2007, Barker served as and later senior vice president of football operations and director of player personnel with , rebuilding the roster to reach five consecutive and culminating in the Stampeders' 2008 win. Barker rejoined the Argonauts in 2010 as head coach, turning around a 3-15 team from the prior year into a 9–9 playoff qualifier and earning the Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL Coach of the Year for the 2010 season after guiding to the East Division semifinal; the team finished 6–12 in 2011. Promoted to general manager in 2011 while retaining head coaching duties through 2012, he led to their 17th championship in 2012 against the . As full-time GM from 2013 to 2016, Barker oversaw mixed results, including a 2013 East final appearance but also three non-playoff seasons, leading to his departure in 2017. After brief consulting roles, including with the in 2019, Barker returned to the in 2022 as senior advisor to the general manager, contributing to their 18th victory that November against the . Since 2021, he has worked as a CFL analyst for TSN, providing expert commentary on league matters, including and free agency. Prior to his professional career, Barker coached at the NCAA level at various institutions, including and Pomona-Pitzer College.

Coaching career

College football

Barker began his coaching career in as an assistant coach at from 1978 to 1981. He continued in assistant roles at from 1982 to 1984 and at from 1985 to 1987. In 1988, Barker served as an assistant coach at the . From 1989 to 1995, he advanced to for the Pomona-Pitzer team while concurrently serving as head coach, gaining experience across multiple NCAA divisions during his 18-year tenure in athletics.
Year(s)TeamRole
1978–1981San Francisco StateAssistant Coach
1982–1984Assistant Coach
1985–1987New Mexico StateAssistant Coach
1988Assistant Coach
1989–1995Pomona-Pitzer
Barker's college coaching emphasized offensive strategies and player development, laying the foundation for his later professional roles in the and XFL.

Canadian Football League

Barker's professional coaching career in the began in 1996 as the offensive line coach for the Alouettes, a team that achieved a franchise-record 12 regular-season wins that year before winning the East Division Semi-Final and losing the East Final. He joined the in 1997 as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, contributing to one of the league's most potent offenses en route to a victory that season. Barker retained the offensive coordinator role with in 1998, helping the team secure a 9-9 record (third in East), though they lost in the East Semi-Final. In 1999, Barker replaced as head coach of prior to the season, becoming the youngest in CFL history at age 42; he led the team to a 9-9 finish and a playoff berth. Following a brief stint in the XFL, he returned to the CFL in 2002 as for the Alouettes, guiding an offense that supported a 13-5 record, an East Division championship, an East Final win, and a victory. Barker took his first full-season head coaching role in 2003 with the Calgary Stampeders, posting a 5-13 record and missing the playoffs, after which he was relieved of his duties. He shifted primarily to executive positions thereafter but returned to coaching in 2010 as head coach and general manager of the Argonauts, revitalizing a 3-15 squad from the prior year into a 9-9 team that advanced to the East Division final. In 2011, the Argonauts regressed to a 6-12 mark under Barker, who stepped down as coach at season's end while retaining his GM role. His overall CFL head coaching record stood at 29-43 across three teams. For his 2010 turnaround with Toronto, Barker earned the Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL Coach of the Year, the first for an Argonauts coach since 1997.

XFL

In 2001, Jim Barker served as the offensive coordinator for the during the inaugural season of the XFL, a professional founded by . The Xtreme finished the regular season with a 7-3 record, securing a playoff spot, and advanced to the championship game after defeating the Chicago Enforcers in the semifinals. Under Barker's coordination, the Xtreme's offense was led by quarterback , who threw for 2,186 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning league MVP and Player of the Year honors. Backup quarterback played a key behind-the-scenes role, assisting in play simplification and preparation, which Barker later credited as instrumental to the team's success; Milanovich would go on to become head coach of the . The Xtreme clinched the XFL title with a 38-6 victory over the on April 21, 2001, at the , earning Barker and the staff a share of the $1 million winner's purse. Barker has reflected positively on the XFL experience, describing it as an ideal coaching environment due to high weekly motivation for players and the league's innovative rules, such as no fair catches and shorter overtime formats. Jeremaine Copeland, a key contributor to the Xtreme's championship run with 755 receiving yards, later played in the CFL and presented Barker with his 2010 Coach of the Year award, highlighting their enduring professional connection. The league folded after its single season, but Barker's tenure marked a notable chapter in his coaching career, bridging his CFL and college experiences.

Executive career

Calgary Stampeders

Jim Barker rejoined the in 2005 as general manager, following the team's sale to a new ownership group led by Doug Mitchell and the departure of previous management after a dismal 4–14 season in 2004. His appointment marked a return to the organization where he had previously served as in 2003. Under Barker's leadership as GM, the Stampeders quickly rebuilt, finishing the 2005 regular season with an 11–7 record and second place in the West Division, though they lost in the West Semi-Final to the Edmonton Eskimos. A cornerstone of Barker's early tenure was aggressive free-agent signings that bolstered the roster. In February 2005, he secured quarterback , who had previously played for in 1997–1998 and became the team's starting signal-caller, leading the West in passing yards (4,290) and with 23 touchdowns during the 2005 season. Barker also signed Jeremaine Copeland on February 18, 2005, to a two-year deal, adding a proven CFL who recorded 64 receptions for 1,060 yards in his debut season with . Additionally, defensive lineman Rahim Abdullah joined the team in 2005 after stints with the Eskimos, contributing 17 sacks over two seasons (8 in 2005, 9 in 2006) and helping solidify the front seven. These acquisitions transformed Calgary's offense and defense, with Burris earning West Division Most Outstanding Player honors in 2006 after passing for 4,453 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Stampeders maintained playoff contention throughout Barker's GM years (2005–2007), posting records of 10–8 in 2006 (losing the West Semi-Final to ) and 7–10–1 in 2007 (losing the West Semi-Final to again). In October 2005, Barker signed a multi-year extension, reflecting the organization's confidence in his vision for sustained improvement. At the end of 2007, with the arrival of as and general manager, Barker transitioned to senior vice president of football operations and director of player personnel, roles he held through 2009. In his advisory capacity from to , Barker continued to influence personnel decisions as achieved 11–7 records both years, winning the West Division in and advancing to the , where they fell 14–22 to the Montreal Alouettes. In , Calgary finished second in the West with a 10–7–1 mark but lost the West Final to Saskatchewan. Barker's executive contributions during this period laid the groundwork for the team's 2008 Grey Cup appearance and positioned Calgary as a consistent contender, culminating in his departure to the in February 2010 as .

Toronto Argonauts

Jim Barker joined the in February 2010 as both and , marking his return to the organization after previous stints as (1997–1998) and (1999). In this dual role, he focused on rebuilding a franchise that had struggled, winning only seven games over the prior two seasons. By the end of 2010, under his leadership, the team achieved a 9-9 record and secured a playoff berth, a significant turnaround that earned Barker the CFL's Coach of the Year honors—though his executive contributions laid the groundwork for sustained competitiveness. Following the 2011 season, Barker stepped down as to concentrate on his general manager duties, hiring —then the Montreal Alouettes' offensive coordinator—as the team's new . A pivotal move came on December 12, 2011, when Barker orchestrated a major trade with the Eskimos to acquire veteran , along with receivers Jason Carter and Marcus Harris, in exchange for quarterback Steven Jyles, receiver Chad Rempel, and multiple draft picks; this transaction stabilized the offense and became a cornerstone of the ' resurgence. Barker also bolstered the roster with key free-agent signings ahead of 2012, including defensive standouts like DT Armond (a CFL ), DB Pat Watkins, and LB Marcus Ball (Argonauts' defensive standout), contributing to a balanced unit that finished 9-9 in the regular season. As general manager, Barker's tenure peaked with the ' victory in the on November 25, 2012, defeating the 35-22 at in —the franchise's 16th championship and Barker's fourth overall win across his career. This success prompted a three-year extension in February 2013, reflecting ownership's confidence in his ability to build a perennial contender. The following year, 2013, saw the claim the East Division title with an 11-7 record, advancing to the Eastern Final, though they fell to the . Barker's overall record as general manager from 2010 to 2016 stood at 58 wins and 68 losses across seven seasons, encompassing four playoff appearances (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015). His executive strategy emphasized shrewd trades, targeted free-agency acquisitions, and fostering team culture, which delivered the 2012 championship but faced challenges in later years, including a 5-13 finish in 2016 amid injuries and roster inconsistencies. On January 24, 2017, the parted ways with Barker, with president Michael Copeland crediting him for "deliver[ing] the to in 2012," a legacy-defining achievement.

Later CFL roles

Following his departure from the Toronto Argonauts in 2017, Jim Barker joined the in January 2019 as a football operations , where he provided expertise on personnel and strategic decisions. Later that year, after the resignation of , Barker assumed an additional role as offensive assistant, focusing on coaching techniques, player development, and supporting the offensive scheme during practices and games. Barker's responsibilities with the Tiger-Cats expanded over the next two seasons to include offensive and special teams assistant duties, as well as scouting and personnel evaluation, contributing to the team's operations during their 2019 appearance and subsequent playoff runs. He remained in these combined roles until the end of the 2020 season. In March 2022, Barker returned to the as senior advisor to the general manager, a position that involved advising on football operations, player acquisitions, and strategic planning during the team's rebuilding phase. This advisory role supported the through the 2022 season, which culminated in a victory, before Barker stepped down in April 2023 to pursue other opportunities.

Post-executive career

Advisory positions

Following his departure from full-time executive roles in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Jim Barker took on advisory positions with CFL teams, leveraging his extensive experience in coaching and personnel management. In January 2019, Barker joined the as a football operations , a role focused on providing strategic guidance to the front office and coaching staff. Later that year, prior to , he expanded his responsibilities to include offensive assistant duties, assisting with player development and offensive scheme implementation while continuing his consulting work. Barker remained with the Tiger-Cats through the 2020 season but was not retained for 2021. In March 2022, Barker returned to the , the team where he had previously served as and , in the role of senior advisor. Reporting to Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Barker's duties included scouting all-star games, participating in team meetings, and offering expertise on personnel decisions and football operations. He held this position for just over a year, contributing to the ' front-office restructuring during their rebuild phase, before departing in April 2023 to focus on broadcasting commitments.

Broadcasting and media

Following his tenure as general manager of the , which ended in 2017, Jim Barker transitioned into as a studio analyst for TSN's coverage of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He debuted in this role in June 2018, providing commentary during the ' exhibition game against the Montreal Alouettes at Molson Stadium. Barker's contributions emphasize his extensive experience in and executive , offering insights into , personnel decisions, and game operations that complement the player-focused analysis from former CFL athletes. He has collaborated with prominent analysts such as , , and , appearing in studio segments for regular-season games, playoffs, and the . By the end of the 2018 season, he had covered approximately a dozen games, with expectations to reach nearly 25 broadcasts. Barker has described the role as demanding, requiring concise delivery under tight time constraints during live telecasts. As of 2025, Barker continues as a CFL analyst for TSN, contributing to playoff previews, coaching evaluations, and discussions. He has also made guest appearances on programs like The Rod Pedersen Show, where he analyzes team strategies and prospects. This media work aligns with his advisory roles, leveraging his five championships and over 30 years in professional football to inform audiences on league dynamics.

Awards and honors

Grey Cup championships

Jim Barker has been part of five Grey Cup-winning teams in his career as a coach and executive in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His contributions spanned offensive coordination, player personnel management, and general management roles, helping build championship rosters and strategies across multiple franchises. These victories highlight his versatility in both on-field coaching and front-office operations. Barker's first Grey Cup came in 1997 as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the . He helped orchestrate one of the league's most potent offenses, led by quarterback , which averaged over 30 points per game en route to a 26-21 victory over the in the 85th . This marked Toronto's third consecutive championship under head coach . In 2002, Barker served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Montreal Alouettes, guiding a high-powered attack featuring quarterback to the 90th Grey Cup title. The Alouettes defeated the Eskimos 25-16, securing 's first championship since 1977. Barker's third ring arrived in 2008 as director of player personnel for the . In this executive role, he played a key part in assembling a roster that included quarterback and a stout defense, culminating in a 35-22 win over the Montreal Alouettes in the . The victory ended Calgary's 15-year championship drought and showcased Barker's talent scouting and personnel decisions during five straight playoff appearances. As of the , Barker led the team's football operations to the in 2012. His strategic free-agent signings and draft selections, including quarterback , propelled Toronto to a 9-9 regular season and a 35-22 upset victory over the in the championship game at . This triumph brought the back to Toronto for the first time since 2004. Barker's fifth Grey Cup came in 2022 as senior advisor to the ' general manager. Hired in March of that year, he provided counsel on player acquisitions and strategy, contributing to a resurgent Argos team that finished 15-3 and defeated the 24-23 in the . This victory marked Barker's return to championship glory with his original franchise and extended his legacy across coaching and advisory capacities.
YearOpponentScore
1997Co-Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line Coach26-21
2002 Alouettes / Quarterbacks Coach Eskimos25-16
2008Director of Player Personnel Alouettes35-22
2012General Manager35-22
2022Senior Advisor24-23

Coach of the Year recognition

In 2010, Jim Barker was named the Canadian Football League (CFL) Coach of the Year, receiving the Annis Stukus Trophy for his leadership of the . This marked the first time since 1997, when won the award, that an coach had earned the honor. Barker's recognition stemmed from guiding the team to a 9–9 record, a significant improvement from the combined seven wins over the prior two seasons, which had included a league-worst 3–15 mark in 2008. The turnaround was attributed to Barker's strategic overhaul, including the development of rookie Cleo Lemon into a starter who threw for over 3,000 yards, and fostering team resilience amid injuries. Selected by the Football Reporters of , the award highlighted Barker's dual role as , a position he assumed in February 2010 after serving as the team's director of player personnel. The presentation ceremony on February 26, 2011, featured veteran receiver Jeremaine Copeland surprising Barker on stage, underscoring the personal impact of his coaching on players. This accolade solidified Barker's reputation as an effective motivator in the CFL, paving the way for his promotion to in 2011 while retaining coaching duties. No further Coach of the Year recognitions appear in his record, as he transitioned primarily to executive and advisory roles thereafter.

Career records

Coaching record

Jim Barker's head coaching tenure in the Canadian Football League (CFL) occurred over four seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (1999, 2010–2011) and Calgary Stampeders (2003), resulting in a regular season record of 29 wins, 43 losses, and 0 ties, for a .403 winning percentage. His teams qualified for the playoffs twice, advancing to a combined 1–2 postseason record. Barker earned the Annis Stukus Trophy as CFL Coach of the Year in 2010 after guiding Toronto to a third-place East Division finish and an Eastern Final appearance. The following table summarizes Barker's head coaching record by season:
SeasonTeamLeagueRegular Season (W–L–T)Finishing PositionPlayoffs (W–L)
1999Toronto ArgonautsCFL9–9–03rd (East)0–1
2003Calgary StampedersCFL5–13–04th (West)
2010Toronto ArgonautsCFL9–9–03rd (East)1–1
2011Toronto ArgonautsCFL6–12–04th (East)
Totals: 29–43–0 (regular season), .403 win percentage; 1–2 (playoffs), .333 win percentage. In 1999, Barker, then the youngest head coach in CFL history at age 42, led the Argonauts to a playoff berth with a balanced 9–9 regular season, but they fell 27–6 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Semi-Final. His 2003 stint with Calgary was challenging, as the Stampeders finished last in the West Division at 5–13 and missed the playoffs, leading to his dismissal after one season. Returning to Toronto in 2010, Barker improved a franchise that had gone 3–15 the prior year, securing another 9–9 mark and the East's third seed; the Argonauts upset Hamilton 16–13 in the semi-final before a 48–17 loss to Montreal in the division final. The 2011 campaign saw Toronto regress to 6–12, again missing the postseason, after which Barker shifted focus to front-office duties.

General manager record

Jim Barker served as of the from 2005 to 2007, where he contributed to a significant improvement from the team's 4–14 record in 2004, leading to three consecutive playoff appearances. He then took on the role with the starting in 2011, guiding the franchise to a championship in 2012 before a decline in performance led to his dismissal following the 2016 season. Barker's overall regular-season record as a CFL general manager stands at 77–84–1, accompanied by a 4–5 playoff mark across both tenures. The following table summarizes Barker's regular-season and playoff records by year:
YearTeamRegular SeasonPlayoffs
200511–7Lost West Semi-Final to Eskimos (26–33)
200610–8Lost West Semi-Final to (21–30)
20077–10–1Lost West Semi-Final to (24–26)
20116–12Did not qualify
20129–9Won East Semi-Final vs. Eskimos (42–26); Won East Final vs. Montreal Alouettes (27–20); Won vs. (35–22)
201311–7Won East Semi-Final vs. ; Lost East Final vs. (36–24)
20148–10Did not qualify
201510–8Lost East Semi-Final at (25–22)
20165–13Did not qualify

References

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