Jim Popp and Marc Trestman have been hired to lead a new era of Argos Football, President and CEO Michael Copeland announced at a media conference at BMO Field today.
Popp becomes the Argos’ 19th General Manager and Trestman its 43rd Head Coach.
“I am thrilled to introduce Jim Popp and Marc Trestman as the ideal leaders to bring excitement, success, and pride back to Argos football,” Copeland said. “Since the start of this process, we targeted individuals who have experience in establishing winning cultures and programs. With Jim and Marc, we have hired the absolute best in the business. They are consistent winners, exceptional leaders, and fierce competitors.”
As a General Manager in the CFL, Popp has won four Grey Cups (1995 with Baltimore, 2002, 2009 and 2010 with Montreal) and has appeared in 10. He ranks second in all-time wins by a GM with 254. Popp was the General Manager and Vice-President of Football Operations for the Montreal Alouettes from 1996 to 2016, and led the Alouettes to 10 first place finishes, eight East Division Championships and three Grey Cups. Named the 2011 Sports Media Canada Executive of the Year, Popp brings with him a wealth of CFL experience.
“I am honoured to join a franchise with such a rich history of winning and look forward to doing everything in my power to build on that,” Popp said. “My first order of business as the Argos’ General Manager was to hire a head coach that will lead us to championships. There is no one more capable than Marc Trestman to bring the Grey Cup back to Toronto. He is a proven winner, and the ultimate leader.”
Trestman was Head Coach of the Alouettes from 2008 to 2012, appearing in three Grey Cups and winning two (2009 and 2010). He ranks fourth all-time in winning percentage by a head coach. He led the Als to four division titles and five playoff appearances during his five-year term. Trestman was named the 2009 CFL Coach of the Year, and in 2013 left the Alouettes to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. He was originally brought to the CFL by Popp after a long and successful career in the NFL and NCAA in various coaching positions.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be the Head Coach of the Toronto Argonauts,” said Trestman. “We have a special opportunity to re-establish a winning culture for this storied franchise. I am humbled by this organization’s history of winning. But most importantly, I am motivated by it. I can’t wait to get started.”
“From the outset, we’ve set our sights on playing dominant and exciting football, and winning championships,” Copeland stated. “Popp and Trestman will provide the vision, experience and leadership required to reach these goals.”
(Toronto Argonauts)
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