The Montreal Alouettes have conducted a first round of interviews for the position of head coach. Five candidates were met by general manager Danny Maciocia and president Mario Cecchini.
Of these five people, four are already part of the organization: Anthony Calvillo (quarterbacks coach), Byron Archambault (special teams coordinator and linebackers coach), André Bolduc (running backs coach and assistant head coach ) and Noel Thorpe (defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach).
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive coordinator Jason Maas was also interviewed.
Maciocia, who took over as interim coach after Khari Jones was fired early in the season, said he was “proud” of the candidates who took part in the first round of interviews. “We had the opportunity to listen to each coach’s plan and how they would approach the position,” he said in a statement posted on the organization’s website.
PHOTO PHILIPPE BOIVIN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Anthony Calvillo, quarterback coach of the Montreal Alouettes
Surprisingly, Laval University Rouge et Or head coach and 10-time Vanier Cup winner Glen Constantin refused to take part in the process, preferring to stay with the Rouge et Or.
“We respect Glen’s decision to stay in Laval,” Maciocia said. We have a very good relationship, and I consider Glen one of the best coaches in the country. We will continue to work together to advance football in Quebec. »
The Alouettes had also obtained permission to speak with Bob Dyce; however, he was hired as head coach of the Ottawa Redblacks last week.
“We would have liked to speak to Bob, but we are happy that he had the opportunity to remain head coach in the CFL,” added Maciocia. He worked hard throughout his career, and we’re glad it led him to become a head coach. »
The second and final round of interviews will begin “as soon as possible,” says the organization, which wants to hire a head coach before the new year. “We want to have a clear plan for 2023, and we want to make sure our players know who will guide our team,” Maciocia said.