TORONTO — One of the biggest names in CFL history is returning to the Toronto Argonauts in a full-time role as general manager.

Mike (Pinball) Clemons, a former star player, head coach and executive with the club, has replaced Jim Popp as GM.

The Argos, who sit a league-worst 2-12 after finishing 4-14 last year, announced Popp's contract will not be renewed Tuesday while naming Clemons as their new GM. The move comes in the aftermath of a 55-8 loss in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions on Saturday.

Argos president Bill Manning enlisted Clemons' help last month in an advisory role as the losses piled up for the club. Clemons has been vice chair of the team since 2009.

Clemons said he turned down a front-office role with the Argos twice earlierfootball operations side in the front office.

Clemons said the team around him will be key to his success.

"It's not an I thing. If it's me, this can't be done," Clemons said. "We're going to build a strong, capable team around us. That's only way we're going to have any success."

Clemons inherits a team that doesn't have one of its top three quarterbacks under contract for next season — McLeod Bethel-Thompson, James Franklin and Zach Collaros. The Argos hired Corey Chamblin as head coach on a multi-year contract prior to this season.

Clemons acknowledged quarterback is a pivotal position for Toronto, noting the last Grey Cups won by the team were with CFL stars Matt Dunigan, Doug Flutie, Damon Allen and Ricky Ray at the position.

Popp was hired in 2017