Eskimos hire former Argo Jones as head coach

Chris Jones won Grey Cups with Montreal, Calgary and Toronto. (Ryan Remiorz/CP)

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have hired former Toronto Argonauts defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones as their new head coach.

Jones spent the last two seasons with the Argonauts and was the architect of the defence that helped them win the 2012 Grey Cup. He also served as the team’s assistant head coach and assistant general manager.

“Chris Jones has paid his dues in the Canadian Football League and has earned this opportunity. His commitment to the league and record of success is impressive. I look forward to working with him,” Eskimos general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement.

Jones replaces Kavis Reed, who was fired on Nov. 4 after Edmonton struggled to a 4-14 record last season.

Jones began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant at Tennessee Tech University in 1995 and spent seven years in the NCAA before entering the CFL.

He served as defensive line coach in Montreal in 2002 before being promoted to defensive co-ordinator for the 2003 season.

Jones moved to the Calgary Stampeders after the 2007 season, where he was defensive co-ordinator and later served as assistant head coach to John Hufnagel.

He joined the Argos shortly after the 2011 season ended amidst some controversy. Hufnagel said Toronto didn’t contact him seeking permission to interview Jones, and said he received no warning from Jones that he was leaving Calgary. Toronto was fined $5,000 by the CFL for tampering.

Jones has been to post-season in each of his 12 years in the league, with three Grey Cup victories in six appearances.

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