TORONTO - Bart Andrus has paid the price for a 3-15 season.
The Toronto Argonauts have fired the first-year head coach after finishing as the worst team in the CFL by eights points.
Argonauts CEO Bob Nicholson called it a "challenging season," adding the search for a new coach starts today.
The 51-year-old Andrus was named the Argos 40th head coach on Jan. 16.
He inherited a team that went 4-14 in 2008 under Rich Stubler -- who was fired midway through the 2008 season -- and Don Matthews.
Andrus did not have any CFL coaching experience but had spent time as an assistant in the NFL, NFL Europe and U.S. college ranks.
The former Tennessee Titans assistant arrived with a reputation of being an offensive guru and doubled in Toronto as offensive co-ordinator.
The Argos were plagued by a weak offence, whose lack of teeth meant the club's defence was left on the field too long.
There was inconsistency at quarterback with Kerry Joseph, backup Cody Pickett and youngster Stephen Reaves.
As the team stumbled, public spats with receiver Arland Bruce III and cornerback Byron Parker became distractions off the field. Both players were later traded.
Joseph also spoke out against Andrus, but the two later made up.
The struggling franchise has been in a holding pattern while co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski figure out whether they want to hold onto the team.
