Despite speculation head coach Khari Jones ‘not concerned’ about future with Alouettes following East Semi-Final loss

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The speculation on Khari Jones’ future with the Montreal Alouettes is running rampant behind the scenes.

Sources around the league felt Jones needed to win the East Semi-Final match-up against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to ensure his head coach job was safe for 2022. The Als lost 23-12 while being flagged 12 times for 115 yards and turning the football over five times.

“It’s a microcosm of the season because penalties were an issue that came back to haunt us, turnovers at times were an issue that came back to haunt us — it was pretty frustrating,” Jones said.

It’s the second straight season Montreal lost in the first round of the Grey Cup playoffs. After a 10-8 rookie bench boss campaign, the Alouettes fell at home to the Edmonton Football Team. However, a despondent Jones remained confident in his future with the franchise following the defeat at Tim Hortons Field on Sunday.

“No, I’m not concerned, I never would be concerned about my future,” Jones said quietly with an awkward laugh. “I have a contract for next year, I plan to be here next year and we’ll keep going.”

Current general manager Danny Maciocia did not hire Jones, it was former Als GM Kavis Reed who gave Jones his first head coaching job in the CFL. The 50-year-old has a 17-15 win-loss record during his two seasons with Montreal.