The Toronto Argonauts were expecting to have a chance to match or counter the offer the Ottawa Redblacks made to Ryan Dinwiddie for their general manager and head coach positions, according to TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor.

It’s my understanding that the @TorontoArgos were expecting to have a chance to match/counter what Ottawa was offering Ryan Dinwiddie in the GM/coach role. However he accepted the Ottawa opportunity without circling back to the @argos and it was done. #CFL #Argos

— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) November 6, 2025

According to Naylor, Dinwiddie accepted the offer from the Redblacks without ever circling back to the Argonauts.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Redblacks named the 44-year-old as both their head coach and GM on a contract the runs through the 2028 season.

Dinwiddie spent the past five seasons as bench boss of the Argonauts, leading them to two Grey Cup titles with a 51-35 overall regular season record. He was also named Coach of the Year in 2023.

Naylor reported on Wednesday that the Redblacks asked the Argos for permission to speak to Dinwiddie late last week, which was approved on Monday, with the deal completed quickly thereafter.

Hearing Ottawa asked Toronto for permission to speak to Ryan Dinwiddie late last week, which was approved on Monday. Deal done quickly after that. Dinwiddie had term remaining with Argos but took advancement with GM title.#CFL #Argos #Redblacks

— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) November 5, 2025

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Ottawa Redblacks as head coach and general manager,” Dinwiddie said in the release announcing his new team and positions. “This is a proud organization with passionate fans and a strong foundation to build on. I’m looking forward to working with [president Shawn Burke] to build our football club and to create a winning culture here in the nation’s capital with the goal of bringing sustained success and a Grey Cup back to Ottawa.”

The Argonauts finished the 2025 regular season with a 5-13 record, just ahead of the 4-14 Redblacks. Both teams missed the playoffs.

“We want to thank Ryan for everything he brought to this organization over the last five seasons,” Argonauts general manager Michael Clemons said in a release. “A capable, competent, and committed coach, he delivered more than we could have asked…Two Grey Cup championships, a Coach of the Year Award, a 16-2 regular season, and the fourth most wins for a coach in Toronto Argonauts history. Ryan’s impact on the organization will be forever appreciated. The Toronto Argonauts owe a debt of gratitude to Ryan and wish him all the best going forward. The search for a new head coach is underway.”