MONTREAL -- Coach Tom Higgins calls working with general manager Jim Popp "a match made in heaven. Keith Yandle Coyotes Jersey ." And the pleasantries exchanged between the two men on a conference call on Tuesday made it hard to imagine they were rivals for the Montreal Alouettes head coaches job. That was settled when team owner Bob Wetenhall insisted that the jobs of coach and general manager be kept separate, and that Popp would have to stick to his GM duties. "This is the model that has made us successful," said Wetenhall. "This has given Jim the time and the freedom to go out and build our team, year after year, always with a few new players added. "To have a GM with the freedom and the time to do this is the model we really wanted to go back to." In the 59-year-old Higgins, the Alouettes hired a CFL veteran who spent seven years as a head coach in Edmonton and Calgary, winning a Grey Cup with the Eskimos in 2003. The Woodbridge, N.J., native spent the last six years as the leagues director of officiating. "Tom brings a winning record and a tremendous reputation as a stand-up, high class guy," said Wetenhall. Popp, the teams general manager since it returned to Montreal in 1996 who is considered among the CFLs best, had hoped to continue in both jobs after taking over from the fired Dan Hawkins, who had no previous CFL experience, only five games in to the 2013 campaign. When Higgins was confirmed in the job on Monday, it raised speculation that Popp may be on his way out. Wetenhall would not confirm Popps long-term status with the club, but made it clear he wanted his GM to stay. And Popp, whose name has been linked to NFL jobs in recent years, said hes wants to carry on. "Ive been with the Alouettes for 18 years -- I plan on being there, its my other home," said Popp. "Ive had six children that were all born in Montreal and I really have no interest in leaving. "Circumstances come up, but the organization knows how loyal I am. Im a company man and its a place I enjoy being. Theres a lot that gets thrown around out there, a lot of it thats not true. But Im very happy." That Popp joined in the conference call was a surprise. His name wasnt mentioned in the Higgins announcement. And it was unusual that the general manager was not involved in the decision to hire the head coach. Wetenhalls son Andrew, a team governor, said that as a candidate for the coaching job, Popp would have been in conflict of interest if he had a say in who the next coach would be. But Popp had provided the owners with a list of potential coaching candidates with an assessment of their abilities. "This is a case where two people can work together who didnt select one another," said Andrew Wetenhall. "We have the added benefit of two guys who know each other and have a heck of a lot of respect for each other." Higgins said he didnt feel awkward at all working with Popp. "I couldnt be happier," he said. "I think our personalities complement one another. "We both want the same thing. This is an opportunity for myself to get back on the field where I belong. This is not a challenge whatsoever." Higgins first job will be to hire an offensive co-ordinator and fill out the coaching staff, which he expects to complete within 10 days. The Alouettes had already signed defensive co-ordinator Noel Thorpe to a two-year contract extension on Dec. 4, with the added title of assistant head coach. They also confirmed that Andre Bolduc, a former CFL player and head coach at Sherbrooke University, was signed as a defensive assistant coach. Wetenhall said one of Higgins assets was his ability to work with young quarterbacks, which will be needed in Montreal this season. For the first time since 2000, they will not have Anthony Calvillo as the starter as the CFLs all-time passing leader has retired. Troy Smith, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, and youngster Tanner Marsh are expected to compete for the starting job, with Alex Brink also in the picture. Higgins said he has worked with gifted young pivots before in Henry Burris and Ricky Ray. He feels the Alouettes can improve on last years 8-10 season. "Ive always marvelled at the level of talent in Montreal," he said. "I hope to bring a level of consistency and discipline. "We are going to be competitive and entertaining. And when you start doing that and playing disciplined football, usually you win more than you lose." Keith Yandle Jersey . The Astros took two of three after losing 15 straight series to the Rangers. Houston overcame a four-run deficit to win. Dexter Fowler singled with one out in the ninth, Jason Castro drew a walk and Dominguez hit a long fly ball off Nick Martinez (0-1). Mikkel Boedker Coyotes Jersey. -- Brandon Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.Lets take a quick look at five of the many Canadians in the NCAA Tournament this year. The game in this country just continues to improve and it will be fun to watch it all unfold starting tomorrow. Cant wait! 1. ANDREW WIGGINS (Kansas): This young man has incredible talent and upside with explosivity and skill to spare. Wiggins has terrific feel for the game and can make all the plays. His strength and stamina have been an issue on occasion, but he plays better when challenged. Wiggins has to play with a more consistent motor, but thats expected for such a young guy, whos handled all the hoopla of his frosh year quite well. Hell set the tone for how far his team goes. 2. TYLER ENNIS (Syracuse): Ennis is an intelligent and steady point guard, who makes all the high percentage decisions for you. He plays at a controlled speed and has excellent vision and feel for the game. His poise and composure under pressure is off the charts. Ennis changes speeds well and knows how to make others better with remarkable maturity and leadership ability for a frosh. Hes got to exert his will earlier in games here in the Tournament and get his team going and set the tone. Ennis is truly the straw that stirs the drink for the Cuse. 3. NIK STAUSKAS (Michigan): There are major improvements in Stauskass strength and overall savvy ffrom last season. Oliver Ekman-Larsson Jersey. He can really stroke it and plays with energy and emotion consistently and is an excellent screen-usage guy and knows how to get open. The elevation on his jump shot is terrific and his handle has gotten better, allowing him to create for himself and teammates. Stauskas is coming on strong. 4. MELVIN EJIM (Iowa State): Heres an intriguing guy. Ejims a very good athlete who has good compete level and I love how hes able to finish on the break and play the game inside and out. Ejim attacks the basket hard and I love his energy. Hes gotten better every year, which is a testament to his work ethic and love for the game. Hes a beast on the glass and has really improved his three-point-shooting stroke. Ejims stock is really rising. 5. KEVIN PANGOS (Gonzaga): Pangos is a shooter with deep range and a guy who can get on a roll if you leave him open. Hes a gym rat who gets after it for you. Pangos isnt the biggest guy, yet plays as hard as you can ask and creates his shot well and has a knack for freeing himself up in the five-on-five game and you better not leave him open in transition. Pangos moves his feet and fights through screens on the defensive end and relishes the challenge of getting stops. Hes steady and reliable in every situation. In short, Pangos is a winner. cheap jerseys ' ' '
