Argos-Riders matchups will be a family affair for Toronto receiver DaVaris Daniels

Phillip Daniels joins Saskatchewan after four seasons as coach with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (who won a Super Bowl ring in 2018) and one year in Washington's front office. Daniels also played 15 seasons as a defensive lineman in Seattle (1996-99), Chicago (2000-03) and with the then-Redskins (2004-10).

Because of the common bond of football, DaVaris Daniels often leans on his father.

“It's exciting for the game, I think it's exciting for the league and it's exciting for our family,” he said. “I think (coaching Saskatchewan football) is the best kind of atmosphere and environment to bring it into the CFL.

“Obviously, he's on the opposite side of the ball, so when I'm on the field I don't get to watch a lot, but when we're not playing them, I watch the D-line and see what they're doing. .”

But his father, Daniels, won't be the only familiar face Saskatchewan sees. Rookie head coach Corey Mays is a former Toronto defensive coordinator, and Daniels has a history with offensive coordinator Mark Mueller, running backs coach Josh Bell and receivers coach Markai McDaniel.

Also, AJ Ouellette, who rushed for 1,009 yards with Toronto last season, joined the Riders in free agency.

“I'm excited for my dad because of their coaching staff,” Daniels said. “I know these guys and they're all great people, so I couldn't be happier with the environment he's been around and the atmosphere he's been in after his NFL career.”

Daniels, 31, is in his fourth season in Toronto and eighth in the CFL. The six-foot-one, 203-pound former Notre Dame star had 52 catches for a career-best 1,009 yards with eight TDs last season and was a big part of the 2022 Gray Cup champions posting their best regular season record in their history. (16-2).

But that achievement came after Montreal defeated Toronto 38-17 in the East Division final en route to winning its first Gray Cup since 2010.

“It was a bitter pill to swallow,” Daniels said. “Even to this day, considering the season we've had and the players and dressing room we've had, it seems unreal.

“It's not an easy thing to win, but I'm not sure we want to win because it brings motivation to this season.”

Toronto's 2024 lineup is significantly different from last year's.

In addition to the coaches and Ouellette, Toronto lost defensive linemen Dewayne Hendricks and Brandon Barlow, linebacker Jamal Peters (all to Hamilton) and punt returner Javon Leake (Edmonton) in free agency, along with punter Boris Bede (Edmonton) and lineman Adarius Pickett. (Ottawa). One good thing was the return of Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to the NFL after three seasons (2020-22).

Toronto has finished the last three seasons in first place in the Eastern Division, but this year many are counting on liberation.

“Please,” Daniels said. “No question, I think it's easy to see who's gone and how big they were on our team … but I think a lot of people forget how deep we were last year, especially on defense.

“That's what we've been carrying this season, a chip on our shoulder.”

While others left Toronto, Daniels signed an extension through 2025 in the offseason. The 2016 CFL Player of the Year said it was an easy decision to move on with players like linebacker Wynton McManis, safety Royce Metchie and defensive back DaSean Amos. Like Daniels, all are legacy brands.

“We're very loyal to each other, we care about each other deeply, and it's hard to leave,” Daniels said. “I left it when I went to Edmonton in 2019, and I know the grass isn't always greener.

“It feels right to be in Toronto with this group. I think this gives me and the team the best chance to win another championship.”

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 11, 2024.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press