Argos ditch offensive co-ordinator Kent Austin

Kent Austin was fired as offensive co-ordinator from the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday.

The CFL on CBC learned of Austin's dismissal Saturday, but the team did not make it official until the following day.

"I am grateful for the time we spent together personally and professionally, and would like to congratulate him in advance for the many accomplishments that lie ahead of this bright, young coach and businessman," Argos coach Mike "Pinball" Clemons said in a statement.

Austin was in his third season with the Argos.

The decision to let Austin go comes two days after the Argos suffered a humiliating 31-7 loss on the road to the Montreal Alouettes.

Toronto, sporting a 2-5 record, is tied for third place in the CFL's East Division with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-6).

Toronto entered Thursday's game in Montreal ranked last in the CFL in total yards (276 yards per game) and passing (234 yards), and seventh in rushing (70 yards) and points scored (17 per game).

Against Montreal, the Argo offence never crossed the centre-field line and was limited to just 110 total yards. Toronto also committed five turnovers.

Injuries have also hurt Toronto this season. No less than 14 players were unavailable against Montreal. Overall, 26 players have missed at least one game this season through injury.

Austin, a former CFL quarterback, won Grey Cups with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1989) and B.C. Lions (1994) before finishing his career in 1996 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Austin is the CFL's eighth all-time leading passer with 36,030 yards, and his 57.6-yard career completion average trails only Doug Flutie and Tom Clements.