Popp out as Alouettes coach, will remain GM

The Montreal Alouettes are in the market for a new coach after Jim Poppdropped the role Tuesday to focus on his duties as vice-president and general manager.

In 2007, Popp's first full season asbench boss, the Alouettes finished with a losing record (8-10-0) for the first time since the Canadian Football League franchise returned to Montreal in 1996.

"We have decided to come back to the traditional structure under which we have had so much success in the past, which is to have one person act as president, one as general manager and one as head coach," Alouettes president Larry Smith said during Tuesday's news conference at Olympic Stadium.

"We are confident that Jim Popp can contribute to the success of the organization by focusing his efforts on his general manager functions."

Popp, 42, hadone year left on his coach's contract and three more seasons as GM. He reportedly earned about $400,000 this season.

An apparently distraught Popp did not attend the announcement, which was made alone by Smith.

"He's a fiery, emotional guy and a proud man — you can understand why he's not here," said Smith. "Let Jim have some space, especially with what you [the media] have been saying about him the last three months."

Questionable call

Popp raised some eyebrows in the East Division semifinal after the team failed to convert a third-down gamble in Winnipeg.

With the ball atMontreal's 44-yard lineand 95 seconds left in the fourth quarter, quarterback Marcus Brady kept the ball but didn't get the first down. The Blue Bombers then gained 30 yards on five plays to set up Troy Westwood's 20-yard winning field goal on the final play.

After replacing former coach Don Matthews last October, Popp helped guide the Alouettes to first place in the East and a berth in the 2006 Grey Cup, which they lost 25-14 to the B.C. Lions.

At least oneMontreal player agreed with Tuesday's decision.

"I think the organization made the right decision," said safety Etienne Boulay. "He was an outstanding GM. As far as coaching, I think our record shows that maybe we need someone else at that spot."

Boulay said he hopes the next coach is "someone who is a leader
as far as decisions taken on the field during a game, and someone
who is able to bring the guys together so we have a great team
chemistry."

Asked if those elements were lacking this season, Boulay said "yes, at times."

Successor to be named in near future

Popp's CFL career began in 1992 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders as a receivers coach. His first management duties were with the Baltimore Stallions in 1994 and he joined the Alouettes in 1996.

Montreal hopesto announce Popp's successor in the near future. Smith said up to 12 candidates would be put on a list for the job, with preference given to those with head coaching experience, although offensive or defensive co-ordinators would also be considered.

He added Alouettes defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones and special teams/defensive back coach Noel Thorpe would be considered. Their contracts expire Dec. 31.

It's believed former CalgaryStampeders coach Tom Higgins, said to bepopular with Alouettes owner Robert Wetenhall, could be in the running.

Higgins, whoturned down an offer to become Calgary's executive vice-president, was let go as coach and vice-president of football operations on Nov. 15 after the Stampeders finished 7-10-1 and lost to Saskatchewan in the West semifinal.

Another name to note is Charlie Taaffe, who coached the Alouettes in 1999 and 2000. Taaffe is under contract to Hamilton, but with the Tiger-Cats seeking a new GM, his job may not be safe.

Other potential candidates include one-time Saskatchewan Roughriders coach Danny Barrett and former Edmonton Eskimos offensive co-ordinator Jacques Chapdelaine.