SPINNING THE CFL COACHING CAROUSEL

With the 2022 CFL season now concluded, the action that once took place on the gridiron has now moved toward the front office.

One story which has the attention of the CFL community, is the Montreal Alouettes head coaching search.

Back in July, the Alouettes made the decision to fire head coach Khari Jones.

In an appearance on the Rod Pedersen Show, Montreal Alouettes reporter Joey Alfieri explained how Jones played a key role in the return of winning football to Montreal.

“People forget,” began Alfieri, “before 2019, things were bleak. Khari definitely was a part of fixing things. I have a lot of respect for what he does, and he does it at a very high level. He took this team to a certain distance. It’s gonna be up to someone else to take it the rest of the way.”

As of this weekend, the Alouettes have reportedly interviewed the following candidates in their coaching search. 

1.  Byron Archambault: Montreal Special teams coordinator

2.  Andre Bolduc: Montreal Runnings backs coach

3.  Anthony Calvillo: Montreal Quarterbacks coach, and franchise legend

4. Jason Maas:  Former Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive coordinator & Edmonton Eskimos head coach

5.  Noel Thorpe: Montreal Defensive coordinator

When asked about the process during a media conference, General Manager Danny Maciocia said the following.

“We feel great about the candidates. We’ve had the opportunity to listen to each coach’s plan, and how they would approach the job.”

Another publicized coaching search is for the offensive coordinator position of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

As 3DownNation CFL Insider Justin Dunk explained on the Rod Pedersen Show, the Riders may have a preferred choice for the job.

“I’ve said this all along,” exclaimed Dunk. “I’ve felt that (Saskatchewan Roughrider running-backs coach) Kelly Jeffrey was the guy that (Head Coach) Craig Dickenson and the Riders really want to hire.”

While Jeffrey is not a well-known coaching figure, his resume has a history of success. He was key in overseeing the rise of the Mount Allison University Football program, highlighted with an 8-0, 2014 season and an appearance in the Mitchell Bowl.

As Dunk explained, Jefferey was the only member of the Rider offensive staff, that the organization chose to keep heading into the 2023 campaign.

If Jeffrey is destined for the role of Saskatchewan Roughrider Offensive Coordinator, Dunk emphasized the key to a successful tenure.

“The critical factor,” exclaimed Dunk, “that I believe will lead to his success, is the quarterback position. How well he gets along with the player who starts, and how well the offence is tailored to his skillset.” 

Part of the reason for the attention regarding this process has been the fact that multiple candidates have reportedly said no to the position.

“Part of that,” explained Dunk, “is due to the uncertainty with this current regime as key members (Dickenson, and General Manager, Jeremy O’Day) are going into the last year of their deals.”

As the days turn in the CFL off-season, teams across the league continue to position themselves for the 2023 CFL campaign.

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily on Game+ TV, YouTube Live and WQEE Radio)