The Montreal Alouettes announced on Wednesday that, at the CFL‘s request, they have suspended the process to hire a new General Manager (“GM”), as of December 12, due to limitations that stem from the sale of the team. The organization will make it public when the search for the franchise’s next GM resumes.

As was the case for the vast majority of the 2019 season, the day-to-day management of the team will continue to have a committee approach led by President and CEO Patrick Boivin, Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Khari Jones, Special Advisor Wally Buono as well as new Director of Football Operations Éric Deslauriers.

“It is clear to me that, if it had not been for the fact that new owners are still not in place, we would’ve already hired our new GM,” declared Mr. Boivin. “I have full confidence in Khari, Wally and Éric; together, we will take the right decisions so that the team maintains its momentum. For that matter, we are on the verge of finalizing deals with our coaching staff and members of Football Operations. The people in place certainly have the expertise and experience required to make the Alouettes even more solid in 2020 than they were in 2019.”

The organization will have no further comment on the matter.

Éric Deslauriers appointed Director of Football Operations

Éric Deslauriers, who was Coordinator of Player personnel in 2019, was named Director of Football Operations. The former receiver was the Alouettes Draft Coordinator from 2016 to 2018.

“It’s an honour for me to accede to this function and to contribute even more in the team’s success,” said Deslauriers. “We have made significant progress in 2019 but we know we can’t take anything for granted. The entire organization has the same objective, which is to continue to get better and make the Alouettes a championship team. We feel the enthusiasm around the team and it’s very motivating.”

In 115 CFL games, all played with the Alouettes, Deslauriers caught 99 passes for 1,334 yards and scored three touchdowns. The former Eastern Michigan University Eagle helped the Alouettes raise the Grey Cup twice, in 2009 and 2010.