‘Brilliant young coach’ gets offensive job
For the second time in as many seasons, the Alouettes have promoted from within, filling their vacant offensive co-ordinator’s position on Wednesday with Pat Meyer.
“There was nobody (outside the organization) who I thought merited consideration. I’ll always look first within the staff,” head coach Marc Trestman said. “We’re really lucky to have (Meyer). He’s a brilliant young coach.”
Montrealgazette.com was the first last Friday (via Twitter: @HerbZurkowsky1) to report the promotion of Meyer, who will continue coaching the Als’ offensive line. And on Thursday, we should learn which quarterback he’ll be working with next season.
The Als have called an afternoon news conference at Olympic Stadium, at which time veteran pivot Anthony Calvillo will provide an update on his recent shoulder surgery and, presumably, his status for 2013. The 40-year-old, a potential free agent in February, had surgery to repair a muscle tear in his nonthrowing left shoulder, sustained during Montreal’s second regularseason game, July 6, against Winnipeg.
The injury didn’t prevent Calvillo from playing. It has been felt all along — and reinforced by recent comments made by Trestman and general manager Jim Popp — that Calvillo will continue playing.
“I’m planning on it. I’m hoping (Calvillo) is,” Meyer told The Gazette from his winter home in northern Colorado. “My number 1 job is still going to be to protect him. It will always be that, especially in the CFL.”
Meyer replaces Marcus Brady, who left last week to accept a similar position with the Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts, providing him with an opportunity to work with head coach Scott Milanovich. The two have forged a close relationship, both on and off the field. Mey- er always was the heir apparent if Brady left, according to Trestman.
But Brady also served as the Als’ quarterbacks coach, meaning one assistant remains to be hired on offence. It’s believed former Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry remains in the mix for that opening and could be interviewed by Trestman next week. Berry is a former Als assistant. He coached the offensive line, was a coordinator and worked directly with Calvillo as quarterback coach.
Since the end of the season, Trestman has lost Brady and defensiveline coach Mike Sinclair, who resigned following five years with the team. As well, the one-year contract of defensive co-ordinator Jeff Reinebold wasn’t renewed. He has been replaced by Noel Thorpe, a former Als assistant under head coach Don Matthews.
Trestman has openings for two defensive assistants — one to coach the line and the other to mentor the linebackers.
With so much movement on his staff, it was important for Trestman to have some stability along with a display of faith and belief, making Meyer’s return paramount. Meyer, 40, came to the Als last season following four years at Colorado State. Meyer, who had been on a one-year contract, has been signed to a new two-year deal. Meyer also briefly worked with Trestman at North Carolina State.
“This means a lot to me, that (the organization) believes in me and has faith in me,” Meyer said. “I jumped on the opportunity. I know I can bring the same kind of work ethic. I have a good rapport with the team, the offence and offensive line. I believe the team trusts me.”
Meyer is cognizant that, although he holds the title, Trestman will continue calling the plays. Meyer will be heavily involved and responsible for formatting and organizing the team’s running game. He’ll also be more involved in quarterback meetings.
Meyer believes he’s capable of handling the added responsibilities. “Now that I’ve had a year under my belt, I can be more efficient on the field, in meetings, film study and game planning,” he explained.
“I’ve had only one season, one training camp, under my belt. I’m still going to learn and grow. It’s still exciting to me. This isn’t something I’ve done for years and years. I’m not bored by it. That’s why I want to come back.”