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The Alouettes suddenly have an opening for a linebackers coach. Not only is Anwar Stewart interested, the former rush end believes he’s qualified for the position.

“I know I’m more than qualified — but I don’t know if the coaching staff is ready to give me that opportunity. I wouldn’t know why,” Stewart told the Montreal Gazette by telephone on Friday.

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“I know I’m ready. It’s not like I’ve been (nothing) for 13 years. I’m a smart guy. I understand the defences. I know what’s going on. I’m never satisfied and I know I can coach the guys,” Stewart continued.

Stewart, 37, spent 13 seasons in the Canadian Football League — the majority with Montreal before retiring. He sits second on the team in career sacks, with 66. He was named the league’s outstanding defensive player in 2004 and was a finalist five years later. A two-time CFL all-star, he won three Grey Cups with the Als.

Stewart decided to launch a coaching career in 2014, and actually interviewed for the linebacker position last winter, although he realized he wasn’t a serious candidate. The team hired Greg Quick, but Stewart was retained as a defensive quality control coach, responsible mainly for breaking down film. Quite clearly in the coaching fraternity, it’s what’s considered an entry-level position.