Orlondo Steinauer is going to stay on with the Toronto Argonauts as defensive backs coach, despite being shifted from the defensive coordinator's job that he assumed in the middle of the 2011 season.
The Argonauts announced Thursday that newly-hired Argos' head coach Scott Milanovich will be keeping Steinauer on the staff he is assembling, along with Steve McAdoo, who will remain Toronto's offensive line coach.
"One of the top young defensive minds in the CFL, Orlondo brings a championship pedigree to the Argos," said Milanovich in a statement. "He will bring an energy and enthusiasm that will permeate through our organization."
After an all-star playing career, primarily with the Argos, Steinauer first joined the Argos' coaching staff as defensive backs coach in 2010. On August 5, 2011, he was promoted to defensive coordinator when the Double Blue fired Chip Garber from the position.
Earlier this week, Milanovich brought in long-time friend Chris Jones from the Calgary Stampeders to be his defensive coordinator in Toronto.
Over two seasons, Steinauer's units were among the best in the league, and the East, at stopping touchdowns and aggressively tracking the ball. In 2010, Safety Willie Pile and DB Lin-J Shell were named East All-Stars under Steinauer. In 2011, the Argos' defence put three players on the East All-Star team (DT Kevin Huntley, DB Lin-J Shell and CB Byron Parker). Parker also set a CFL interceptions return career record and was named a CFL All-Star.
As a player, Steinauer was one of the only men in CFL history to win all-star awards at every position on the secondary. He played 13 years in the league, won two Grey Cups.
"Scott Milanovich's resume speaks for itself and Chris Jones' defences are always among the top in the league," said Steinauer. "When they approached me to join them, I was excited by what I heard and the passion they displayed. They are assembling a young, fresh staff. I believe we will be able to reach players and help bring out the best in them."
McAdoo first took over the as Argos' offensive line coach in 2010. Prior to joining the Argo, McAdoo spent four seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. During that span, Montreal played in three Grey Cup championships.
"After considering offers from other organizations, my decision to remain with the Double Blue was fueled by the friendships and bonds I have made with players and staff," said McAdoo. "The life of a coach means the possibility of changing addresses and I am humbled that new Head Coach Scott Milanovich respects my body of work enough to want me to be a part of his staff."
Milanovich also named his offensive coordinator earlier this week, bringing in Jonathan Himebauch, who was serving as offensive line coach with the Alouettes.
The team has not said anything further about the status of the rest of the coaches on the Argos staff from the 2011 season, including special teams coordinator Mike O'Shea, who interviewed for the head coaching position with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Rachel Brady