MONTREAL – Jason Maas finds himself in a special situation for his first steps as head coach of the Alouettes, since three of his colleagues were candidates for his position.
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Byron Archambault, Anthony Calvillo and Noel Thorpe were all met at least once during the process that ultimately led to the 47-year-old American’s nomination. The three men are respectively the coordinators of special teams, offense and defense for the next season.
It was chief executive Danny Maciocia who strongly suggested Maas retain them, who worked with the club in 2022.
Photo archives, Pierre-Paul Poulin
“They have a lot of skills and that’s very positive,” Maas said of his staff. They had an interview for the right reasons. I know Danny Maciocia very well and I trust him. He recommended these guys to me after they didn’t get the job. Danny made me realize how important they were to the team’s successes last year.”
Maas is also not afraid of being the victim of a mutiny.
“With my relationship with Danny, I’m not worried about someone playing behind my back for their personal advancement. This is not the type of individual we have in our coaching staff.
Disappointed but motivated
Archambault, Calvillo and Thorpe made no secret of their disappointment with Maciocia’s verdict. The three men, however, claimed that a return to Montreal is the best consolation prize.
“We’ve put that behind us and we’re focused on the season to come,” said Archambault. The decision was made for excellent reasons. Jason, he’s a damn good guy. We all want to work in the same direction to get as many victories as possible.”
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montreal / QMI Agency
“Even though I didn’t get the job, I was made to understand that I could offer something to the organization,” Calvillo said. I have a lot of respect for Danny and Jason for allowing me to come back and stay in the city that I call home.”
The former star player of the “Als” also praised the newcomer’s approach.
“What’s great about this guy is that he’s open-minded about what we were doing before he came along.”
An insurance policy
Asked about this particular situation, Maciocia insisted on recalling that he had met the candidates because they had all proven their worth.
“They deserved the opportunity to have an interview,” said the DG. I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss with them and see their vision of our future. It was very important to listen to them.”
Walking on eggshells, Maciocia also gave another reason for their return.
“I didn’t want to go through what I went through last year, that is to say go back to the side lines, he revealed, weighing his words. I really don’t want that to happen, but if we ever have any problems, I’m sure the person who could replace the head coach will already be in our team.
Maciocia added that he is convinced that Archambault, Calvillo and Thorpe will one day be head coaches, whether in Montreal or elsewhere.