Jim Popp is out as general manager of the Montreal Alouettes
Team president Mark Weightman announced the move in a press conference held Monday morning, calling it a “mutual decision.”
The Alouettes finished 7-11 this season and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. Popp, who started the season as head coach, stepped down in September after leading the team to a 3-9 record. Interim head coach Jacques Chapedelaine went 4-2 as his replacement. Popp did not participate in the end-of-season meetings with players, as is customary.
There is no immediate word on a replacement for Popp but many believe the leading candidate is former Edmonton Eskimos head coach and general manager Danny Maciocia, who is currently running the football program at the University of Montreal.
Popp spent 21 years with the franchise, winning four Grey Cups (three with the Alouettes, one with the Baltimore Stallions, who moved to Montreal in 1996.)
From the team:
“The leadership of Jim over the past twenty years has left a legacy of football our fans, while Montreal has won three Grey Cups and eight division titles during his time with the team. We are grateful for his dedication and for his personal sacrifices. We know that this team is in position to regain the path to victory in 2017, “said the owner of the Alouettes, Bob Wetenhall.
The organization has already begun seeking its next CEO. “We are fully committed to bringing the Grey Cup in Montreal and our record in recent years is unacceptable, said the main governor Alouettes Andrew Wetenhall. Our next CEO will have to adhere to three basic principles of the organization is to deliver Championship football to our fans, to place our players and our employees in a position to succeed and give back to the community of Montreal and Quebec. “
There was plenty of Twitter reaction:
