Why Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace openly turned down Toronto Argonauts interview for vacant head coaching position

Corey Mace has declined an interview request from the Toronto Argonauts regarding their vacant head coaching role and additional football operations responsibilities, multiple sources have confirmed to 3DownNation.

The 39-year-old is fresh off guiding the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 25–17 win over the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup — the fifth championship in franchise history. This marked his second year in charge, during which he has built a 21-14-1 record and reached the postseason in both campaigns. Mace previously worked for the Argos as their defensive coordinator, winning a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2022 before taking the job in Saskatchewan. To qualify for the Argonauts’ top role, he would have needed an additional CFL title, similar to the requirement Ottawa used when hiring Ryan Dinwiddie to serve as both head coach and GM.

Earlier this year, Mace signed a two-year contract extension with the Roughriders, keeping him under contract through 2028. His decision to pass on Toronto’s inquiry strongly suggests he intends to remain in Saskatchewan for the foreseeable future.

During Grey Cup week in Winnipeg, Mace was asked whether he ever envisioned becoming a general manager. He admitted he hasn’t really considered the idea, saying he’s still focused on refining his craft as a head coach.

Meanwhile, the Argonauts have already begun interviewing candidates for their coaching vacancy. Reported interviewees include special teams coordinator Mickey Donovan, quarterbacks coach Mike Miller, co-defensive coordinator Kevin Eiben, receivers coach Pete Costanza, and Ottawa special teams coordinator Rick Campbell. Toronto finished the 2025 season in third place in the East Division with a 5–13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The Argos faced significant adversity this year, most notably losing franchise quarterback Chad Kelly for the entire season after he fractured his leg in the previous year’s East Final. Nick Arbuckle took over and delivered 4,370 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, earning the team’s nomination for Most Outstanding Player.

Statistically, Toronto ranked seventh in net offence, sixth in net defence, and seventh in turnover differential at minus-eight. Running back Spencer Brown led the team with 314 rushing yards, Dejon Brissett topped the receiving charts with 907 yards, and Cameron Judge recorded a team-high 79 tackles. Off the field, attendance averaged 15,109 — ninth in the CFL — reflecting a slight 0.1 percent drop from the previous season.