Scott Milanovich.

BY PERRY LEFKO
sportsnet.ca

Scott Milanovich has extended his contact as offensive co-ordinator/quarterbacks coach with the Montreal Alouettes, effectively turning down an offer to become head coach of the Toronto Argonauts.

Milanovich said he was offered a contract on Saturday by the Argos, but rejected the deal. He preferred not to explain why, but it had been rumoured the Argos' two-year deal played a key role. Most teams and businesses making key hires usually offer at least a three-year deal. It is believed money was not an issue.

The Argos have terminated the contracts of their last two head coaches -- Rich Stubler, who lasted only 10 games in 2008, and Bart Andrus, who was fired last year after his first season -- and were on the hook to buy them out of the last two years of their three-year deals. Don Matthews worked for eight games after Stubler's firing, but it's been suggested he was not receiving much, if any, money. He did not win any of the eight games he coached and resigned.

Milanovich said Winnipeg called and asked for permission to talk to him, but no one called to speak to him.

"The fortunate thing for me is I have a great organization that takes care of us," he said. "I already had a great situation."

Milanovich was wooed in Toronto by president Bob Nicholson, general manager Adam Rita and vice chair Pinball Clemons.

"There's a certain amount of disappointment," he said.

Milanovich said he signed the extension "immediately" after rejecting the Argos offer.

Milanovich was in demand by the Argos because of his work in two years with the Als, beginning in 2008. The Als made it to the Grey Cup both years and won last year. Milanovich, who was hired by head coach Marc Trestman, played a role in quarterback Anthony Calvillo winning the Canadian Football League's Most Outstanding Player both years.

The Argos, whose ownership situation is still unclear, are now expected to focus their attention on former Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry or Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall, who is a strong candidate for the head coaching job in Winnipeg. It became vacant following the firing of Mike Kelly, who replaced Berry but only lasted one year.