One-time CFL star joins Argos' coaching staff

Former defensive lineman Mike Walker was named a CFL all-star three times in his 10 CFL seasons. (Courtesy argonauts.ca)

The Toronto Argonauts are bringing in a fresh face to help solve some of their defensive woes.

Mike Walker, a standout defensive lineman in the Canadian Football League in the 1980s, has joined Toronto as a defensive consultant after working as a guest coach at the B.C. Lions' training camp earlier this summer.

The former Hamilton Tiger-Cat will spend most of his time with the Argos' defensive line.

A three-time CFL all-star from 1982-89, Walker has spent the past 11 years as defensive line coach with the Washington State Cougars, his alma mater.

"Mike brings a great deal of expertise on the defensive line," said first-year Argos head coach Rich Stubler. "We're excited to utilize his knowledge to help us in our quest for a Grey Cup."

Walker, who helped former Ticat Grover Covington become the CFL's all-time sack leader, appeared in four CFL championships in his 10 seasons, winning in 1986.

Walker, who spent his final two years with Edmonton, will try to figure out a Toronto defence that has fallen on hard times after being ranked at or near the top in many statistical categories in recent years.

The unit currently sits last in several categories, including average yards rushing allowed per game (155.8), average gain per rush (6.4 yards) and first downs allowed on the ground (79).

Walker and the Argonauts will take a 3-5 record into Monday's Labour Day Classic at Hamilton. (7:30 p.m. ET).

 

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