CFL.ca
THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes are in the market for a new head coach after Marc Trestman was hired by the Chicago Bears on Wednesday.
Here’s a look at potential candidates for the Alouettes’ post.
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Related: Trestman Era Over |
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For the first time since 2008, the Alouettes will be looking for a new head coach following the departure of Marc Trestman who has accepted a position with the Chicago Bears. Here’s the latest on his departure and what it means for the Als. Headlines: |
Chris Jones — Dubbed “mad scientist” for his innovative defensive schemes, Jones spent last season as the defensive co-ordinator, assistant head coach and assistant GM of the Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts. Jones served six seasons as an assistant in Montreal (2002-07) and was a regarded as a frontrunner for the Alouettes’ job that ultimately went to Trestman. Jones has been part of three Grey Cup-winning teams and it’s unlikely the Argos would prevent him from becoming a head coach if offered the Montreal job.
Jacques Chapdelaine — The B.C. Lions veteran offensive co-ordinator would fulfil two huge elements in Montreal. The 51-year-old native of Sherbrooke, Que., is not only bilingual but is also a respected offensive mind whose schemes could mesh with Als veteran starter Anthony Calvillo. A former CFL player, Chapdelaine has won both Vanier Cup and Grey Cup titles as a coach and has previous CFL coaching experience with Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.
Like Jones, the expectation is B.C. wouldn’t stop Chapdelaine from becoming a head coach.
Paul LaPolice — Guided Winnipeg to a 2011 Grey Cup appearance before being fired in August after a slow start to the season. LaPolice is reportedly under contract to the Bombers through the 2014 season which could mean having to negotiate some sort of agreement to take another coaching position. The 42-year-old American compiled a 16-28 record with the Bombers and has previous CFL coaching experience as an assistant with Toronto, Winnipeg, Hamilton and Saskatchewan.
Greg Marshall — A respected, longtime defensive co-ordinator in the CFL, Marshall’s first head-coaching job lasted just eight games.
He was fired by Saskatchewan midway through the 2011 season. The 56-year-old American reportedly remains under contract with the Riders through this season. The six-foot-five Marshall is a former CFL defensive lineman who served as a defensive coach with Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Hamilton over 17 seasons before being named Riders head coach.
Danny Maciocia — The 45-year-old Montreal native has spent the last two years coaching the University of Montreal squad but has extensive CFL experience. He has served as an assistant with the Alouettes (1999-2001) before becoming Edmonton’s offensive co-ordinator (2002-04). He was promoted to head coach in 2005 and added the director of football operations job title in ’07.
Jim Popp — The Alouettes GM has served as head coach but is very unlikely to do so this time. But he’s the wildcard given he’ll decide on Trestman’s replacement. Popp isn’t afraid to think outside the box and raised eyebrows when he hired Trestman, who was hardly a household name. Popp could again bring in another unheralded coaching candidate this time around.
