MONTREAL — Less than a year after being appointed the club’s head coach, the Montreal Alouettes relieved Jacques Chapdelaine of his duties and did the same with long-time defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe Wednesday morning.

A move that surprised many but was a risk that general manager Kavis Reed and his staff felt they needed to take in order to right the ship in Montreal.

“When you’re the head coach and also the offensive coordinator and your team is in the bottom of most offensive categories and your overall team is struggling something’s gotta give,” said CFL.ca analyst Davis Sanchez who also serves as the Alouttes’ radio colour commentator.

The move comes with on the heels of the Als 41-18 loss to the BC Lions on Friday which dropped them to 3-8 on the season. With the East Division still trending well behind the West, the Als still have an opportunity to get back into the playoff picture which could have led to the immediacy of the move.

“A move like this can assure that the Als are on the same page from top to bottom and before this move that’s not something that some had questioned was the case,” Sanchez told CFL.ca.

In the interim the club will lean on defensive line coach Greg Quick and quarterbacks coach Anthony Calvillo to take over the defensive and offensive sides of the ball respectively. However, reports have been indicating that the club could be looking at former Argos head coach and travelled defensive coordinator Rich Stubler to take over the defence.

Should Stubler join the Als, it should come as no surprise to most, says Sanchez.

“It is well known that Kavis and Rich have a strong history. Stubler gave Kavis his start in coaching in Toronto.”

As for Calvillo, Sanchez says, “he obviously has a ton of experience in the league and a fresh new look, come fresh new ideas can’t do anything but help and offence that has struggled. In his second term as a play caller, he’s a couple more years experienced as an offensive coach. A smart guy, a hard worker, I’m sure he’s learned quite a bit over the last few year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had success”