CFL.ca Staff
MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes announced on Thursday that Vice-President and General Manager Jim Popp has signed a new three-year deal with the club, keeping him in the fold until 2017.
The only general manager the Alouettes have known since returning to Montreal in 1996, Popp has led the team to the playoffs every year over that span, winning the Grey Cup in 2002, 2009 and 2010, en route to becoming the first GM in the club’s rich history to win back-to-back championships.
“I am pleased to announce today that Jim has extended his agreement to continue serving as the Vice-President, General Manager and Director of Player Personnel for the franchise for a number of years into the future,” declared Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall. “Jim has always brought to the franchise his skills, dedication and competence in overseeing our football operations. This provides us with the continuity of excellence for which he is recognized across the Canadian Football League.”
The Alouettes’ 206 wins since returning to the CFL represent a league-best over that period, 20 more than second-place B.C. with 186. The Alouettes have played in eight Grey Cup games under Popp, and he was also the architect of the 1995 Baltimore Stallions team, which won the Grey Cup before relocating to Montreal.
“I am extremely happy to extend and continue a great relationship with the organization,” said Jim Popp. “I am grateful and humbled by Bob Wetenhall believing in my ability to lead the Montreal Alouettes football operations.”
Over the years, Popp has been able to find talented players from all over North America. He has also been know to give players second chances and resurrect their careers in Montreal, including pro football’s all-time leading passer, Anthony Calvillo, whom he brought into the Alouettes family in 1998.
“We are happy to be able to count on Jim for years to come. He has always had the Alouettes’ success at heart. We believe that this stability will allow our team to continue to have success on the field,” said the Alouettes President and CEO Mark Weightman.
Popp is also responsible for appointing two of the Alouettes’ winningest coaches in team history in Don Matthews and Marc Trestman.
Very happy to announce a 3-year contract extention for @PoppJim. #stability #continuity #Alouettes pic.twitter.com/xGu93oy2E3
— Mark Weightman (@MWeightmanAls) July 10, 2014
