EDMONTON, Alberta — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks coach and Butler High School graduate Scott Milanovich returned to the CFL on Thursday as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos.

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said Milanovich was “adamant” about finishing the season in Jacksonville.

Milanovich succeeds Jason Maas, who was fired after the Eskimos finished fourth in the West Division last season with an 8-10 record.

Eskimos general manager Brock Sunderland said in a statement that Milanovich is a “great leader” and “proven winner.” He added that Milanovich is “renowned for his ability to develop and get the best out of quarterbacks.”

Milanovich coached the Toronto Argonauts from 2012 to 2016. He led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup title and was the CFL coach of the year in his first year with the team. Milanovich worked as an assistant with the Montreal Alouettes from 2007-11, helping them win Grey Cup titles in 2009 and 2010.

Marrone lauded Milanovich, who has been the Jaguars' quarterbacks coach since 2017. Last year he served as the interim offensive coordinator when Nathaniel Hackett was fired in November.

Marron said he was “excited for Scott and his family to embark on a new journey in Edmonton in January, and we wish them the best.”

Sunderland said Thursday in a press release: “After an exhaustive search, we know Scott is the right man to lead our franchise.”

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