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Kavis Reed majored in biology and planned to attend medical school until the “stupid genes” took over, the Alouettes’ rookie general manager likes to say with a laugh.

Although he has a masters degree in business administration — he specialized in conflict management and contract negotiation — he’ll never include his title or his degree at the end of emails. And it might help to have a thesaurus handy when in conversation with Reed, who throws around terms such as “sagacious” and “self edification.”

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He talks about having an impact on lives and developing men, much as Marc Trestman did when he was coaching the Als to two Grey Cups and three championship-game appearances between 2008 and 2012. Reed also hates the word “no” and has a very low tolerance for those who make excuses.

This all is fine and dandy, and will look good as part of Reed’s legacy should he be unable to turn around the team’s fortunes this season. If Reed was the surprise choice to succeed Jim Popp last December, the ownership group of Robert and Andrew Wetenhall is unlikely to remain patient for long following two losing seasons combined with no playoff appearances and sagging attendance. Indeed, it wouldn’t be surprising to suggest Reed’s contract as GM might be the same one he had as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator that expires after the season.