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'Great privilege' to be Alouettes coaching finalist, Archambault says

Als special-teams coordinator and linebackers coach, 32, hopes age and relative lack of experience aren't a roadblock to getting top job.

Montreal Alouettes special-teams coordinator Byron Archambault gives instructions during training camp practice in Trois-Rivières on May 26, 2022.
Montreal Alouettes special-teams coordinator Byron Archambault gives instructions during training camp practice in Trois-Rivières on May 26, 2022. Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal Gazette

While Jason Maas or Noel Thorpe remain the favourites to become the Alouettes’ next head coach, according to sources, it would be intriguing should general manager Danny Maciocia think outside the box and hire Byron Archambault.

Archambault, 32, might be considered a dark horse, but he was one of five candidates who received a preliminary interview, the organization revealed on Thursday.

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The other candidates in the running are assistant head coach André Bolduc, who also coaches the running backs and has been with the organization since 2014, and Anthony Calvillo, who mentors the quarterbacks — the position he played exquisitely for Montreal. Calvillo also handled offensive play-calling duties last season after head coach Khari Jones was fired in early July.

Archambault has a history with Maciocia, dating to their days at Université de Montréal, and acquitted himself well last season as the special-teams coordinator under difficult circumstances, replacing Jeff Reinebold shortly before training camp. Archambault also coached the linebackers.

“This is a great privilege to even be mentioned in the conversation with the group of guys named,” Archambault told the Montreal Gazette on Friday. “It’s an honour just to be in the conversation. I have a lot of respect for those guys and what they’ve done as players and coaches.”

Archambault said he wants to respect the process, declining to reveal if he’ll receive a second interview from Maciocia and president Mario Cecchini, who is also involved in the hiring process. But Archambault made it clear he would be prepared to work under the new head coach — if it’s not him — and doesn’t believe his age will hinder him.

“We had a similar conversation before the season,” Archambault said. “How do you know you’re ready to be the special-teams coordinator, especially when you’re replacing a guy like Jeff Reinebold? You have to go out, do it and be confident what you’ve done in preparation is going to put you in position to help those guys have success. The players determine our level of success. A coach is only as good as his players.

“When you’re a young coach … experience … that word … I understand it. As a young coach, that word will present itself at times as a roadblock. You have to find a way to do your job to the best of your ability. You’re a young coach and don’t have as much experience. That doesn’t mean you can’t get the job done effectively.”

Maas, who couldn’t be reached for comment, was Edmonton’s head coach and offensive coordinator from 2016-19 and played quarterback there under Maciocia during the early 2000s. His head coaching record was 39-33, but his teams never won a division title. Most recently, he was Saskatchewan’s offensive coordinator, but was fired on Nov. 1 with a season remaining on his contract. The Roughriders finished 6-12, out of the playoffs, losing their last seven games.

Thorpe’s association with Maciocia goes back two decades, through the CFL and university ranks. And when Maciocia fired Barron Miles as defensive coordinator in July, he hired Thorpe.

“I’m appreciative of being considered,” Thorpe said. “When you look at the candidates, there’s no secret they’re all accomplished coaches … with great character and high standards.”

Bolduc was a head coach at Université de Sherbrooke, and replaced Jones for one game in 2021 after Jones contracted COVID-19. But Bolduc wasn’t hired by Maciocia. If he’s not hired as head coach, Bolduc might join Ottawa, where Jones will serve as offensive coordinator.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing an interview during the process,” Bolduc said. “I can tell you I had a great meeting with the organization. I feel good about my presentation, vision and plan.”

Thursday’s announcement also means Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (offensive line), Mike Lionello (receivers), Greg Quick (defensive line) and David Deschamps (defence/special teams assistant) aren’t being considered.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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  1. Jason Maas was Edmonton's head coach from 2016-19 and, most recently, Saskatchewan's offensive co-ordinator.

    Alouettes whittle list of potential head coaches down to five

  2. Montreal Alouettes general manager and interim head coach Danny Maciocia answers questions at a news conference in Montreal on Nov. 22, 2022.

    Alouettes plan to have next head coach in place by Christmas

  3. Jeff Reinebold, 64, was hired by the Als last January following his resignation from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He began his CFL coaching career with B.C. in 1991.

    Byron Archambault ready to take over as Alouettes' special-teams boss