BREAKING NEWS: Montreal Alouettes Key Man ‘I wanted to keep that recipe’
After their Montreal Alouettes secured victory in the Grey Cup, Danny Maciocia, the general manager, found himself pondering the next steps as he flew home alongside head coach Jason Maas. Reflecting on their success, Maciocia voiced his query: “What’s our game plan now that we’ve won?”
Their discussion continued as they disembarked from the plane in Hamilton and drove to a restaurant in Montreal’s east end to strategize for the upcoming off-season. It quickly became evident that maintaining the team’s cohesion and continuity into the next season were paramount objectives.
“We found a winning formula, and preserving that formula was essential,” Maciocia remarked later.
Just over a year prior, the Alouettes faced uncertainty about ownership and even the prospect of participating in the 2023 season. However, under the ownership of Pierre Karl Peladeau, the team stabilized, culminating in a victorious championship campaign and a promising outlook for the future.
Following their championship parade, Maciocia wasted no time in securing contract extensions for key players and coaches, emphasizing stability and continuity as pillars of success in sports.
“It’s a complete turnaround,” noted Maas, who took over as head coach before the championship season. “This year feels entirely different.”
The retention of key players and coaching staff, including notable figures like Anthony Calvillo, underscores the Alouettes’ commitment to building upon their recent success. Calvillo, a former Alouettes quarterback with multiple Grey Cup victories, emphasized the importance of stability and continuity in sustaining success.
While winning the Grey Cup in his hometown brought a sense of fulfillment to Maciocia’s career, he maintains that the team’s hunger for further achievements remains strong.
“We’re grateful for the championship, but we’re not resting on our laurels,” Maciocia affirmed. “There’s still much more to accomplish, and we’re eager to pursue it together.”
OFF-SEASON CHANGES
Maciocia may have put considerable effort into maintaining the core of the Alouettes’ championship squad, but inevitably, changes occurred.
Star wide receiver Austin Mack opted to join the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, while defensive end Lwal Uguak secured a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, veteran running back William Stanback was released and subsequently signed with the B.C. Lions.
To bolster the roster, Maciocia brought in new talents such as receiver Tevin Jones, defensive tackle Derek Wiggan, and running back Sean Thomas-Erlington.
Despite the Alouettes’ struggles with protecting the quarterback last season, evidenced by allowing 61 sacks (the second-highest in the CFL), Montreal’s offensive line saw minimal changes. Maciocia contended that these issues were more pronounced earlier in the season, highlighting that the team allowed only two sacks in the Grey Cup.
Expressing confidence in maintaining stability and continuity, Maciocia emphasized the retention of the same offensive system and quarterback. He anticipates improved performance compared to last year, particularly in protecting the quarterback.