The Ottawa RedBlacks have relieved GM Marcel Desjardins of his duties this morning. The team announced early Monday that effective immediately, the first GM in team history would no longer be a part of the organization moving forward.
In a statement to the media, OSEG President Mark Goudie said “Marcel was the first employee hired by the RedBlacks back in 2013. He has put everything he has into our organization. His many accomplishments include bringing Ottawa its first Grey Cup win in 40 years. I respect Marcel very much and thank him for his unwavering commitment to the Redblacks, RNation and our community”.
Ottawa is currently 2-9 on the season and riding a 4 game losing streak which includes a 32-3 embarrassment at the hands of Hamilton this past weekend. The loss caused several players to vent their frustrations to the media, amongst them wide receiver Nate Behar who called the team’s offense “unacceptable”.
In the meantime assistant GM Jeremy Snyder will assume the role of Interim GM as the club prepares to search for a permanent candidate. Jean-Marc Edme who has been with the organization since 2016 will be promoted to Interim Assistant GM for the time being as well.
While the team has yet to tip its hand regarding any preferred candidates, some have already begun to speculate that the next RedBlacks GM could be a familiar face. Current head coach Paul LaPolice’s name has been thrown out on the sports talk show circuit in the wake of Desjardins’ firing, with some pundits wondering whether he would be better suited in a front office role moving forward.
Others have mused whether former RedBlacks QB, and fan favourite, Henry Burris would have any interest in returning to his former club. Burris is currently an offensive quality control coach with the Chicago Bears. Whomever the club elects to proceed with, don’t expect any immediate answers, as Ottawa plans to cast a wide net in the search for their next general manager.
Ottawa is next in action this Friday as they play host to the Calgary Stampeders.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner