Alouettes call an audible and make fundamental changes for 2017 season

These ain't yo daddy's Alouettes.

From the front office to the coaches on sidelines to the players on the field, the Montreal Alouettes reworked their franchise top-to-bottom during the 2016-17 off-season.

When the season kicks off Thursday, fans might find themselves referencing the program a few times as they struggle to keep up with all the new names.

But following back-to-back seasons outside of the CFL's playoff picture a bold franchise makeover was necessary.

The front-office housecleaning

The rebuild for the 2017 Alouettes began even before the 2016 team finished its crash landing.

Jim Popp, who started the season as both general manager and head coach, stepped aside from his coaching duties when it became clear the team wasn't going to make the playoffs.

Jacques Chapdelaine took over on an interim basis. It was an audition he'd turn into the full-time head coaching position a few months later.

Following the season, Popp was relieved of his general-manager duties by then CEO Mark Weightman.

Given the team's failures in recent years the move wasn't entirely unexpected, but for many fans it was jarring nevertheless.

Popp had been the team's only general manager since the rebirth of the Alouettes in 1996.

Weightman, who also had been with the organization since it's relocation from Baltimore, stayed on for a few more months. But when it came time to announce the team's new general manager he was absent from the news conference.

Andrew Wetenhall, the son of the team's owner Robert Wetenhall, said Weightman had decided to resign.

Enter Kavis Reed

The Alouettes took a gamble hiring Kavis Reed as their new general manager.

Reed may have extensive experience as both a CFL player and coach, but has spent only limited time in the front office.

The Wetenhalls gave Reed a mandate to remake the team and he wasted little time shaping the squad in his image.

He cut ties with several well-known veterans, such as S.J. Green, Jeff Perrett, Kenny Stafford, Alan-Michael Cash, Winston Venable and Bear Woods.

While most of Reed's moves raised eyebrows, the Woods decision in particular sent a strong a message: there is a new boss in town.

Woods was an all-star and well liked by his teammates. His release was criticised publicly by former Alouettes player and coach Anwar Stewart on Twitter. Even head coach Jacques Chapdelaine publicly disagreed with Reed's handling of the situation.

However, not everyone from the old regime was cast aside.

"Changes happen, this is football," said the team's all-time leader in quarterback sacks, John Bowman.

"I've seen it and I've had a few hundred teammates in my time. I love all those guys who came through and played with me for years. Hopefully, these new guys here this year, I can help them out to the best of my ability."

Reed for his part says that the number of changes he made to the Alouettes roster is not outside the normal turnover level of any given football team from season-to-season.

In addition to Bowman, other notable players returning include defensive stand-out Chip Cox, Nik Lewis (fourth all-time in CFL receptions) and all-star running back Tyrell Sutton.

Darian Durant steps behind centre

The biggest off-season acquisition Reed made was trading for, and signing, quarterback Darian Durant.

"He's a leader and he's someone that has the demeanour that we need to take us over the top," Reed said.

Durant is a seasoned CFL quarterback with a championship on his resume. His addition promises to bring stability to Montreal's quarterback position, sorely lacking since Anthony Calvillo played his last game in 2013.

It's been a rotating door at QB with Josh Neiswander, Tanner Marsh, Troy Smith, Alex Brink, Jonathan Crompton, Rakeem Cato, Brandon Bridge and Kevin Glenn all taking snaps and being released over the last four years.

"Consistency at that position means that you have an opportunity every season to have a successful campaign," Reed said.

"When there is a revolving door there is no consistency at arguably the most important position in professional sports. Darian provides that stability."

But the knock on Durant is that he struggles to stay healthy. In recent seasons he's missed time due to elbow, Achilles tendon and ankle injuries.

Along with Durant, the other big additions to this year's roster are Ernest Jackson, the East's most outstanding player last year, and all-star offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye.

How far can the Alouettes go?

It might be hard for Alouettes fans to believe after watching the team fall to bits over the last two seasons, but Reed expects they will contend for a championship this year.

With a healthy Durant, the players also believe it's possible.

"We're excited, as a defence, to look at the other side of the ball and know we're going to make some plays — and put points on the board," said veteran linebacker Kyries Hebert.

But the Alouettes have a lot to prove before anyone will take them seriously as Grey Cup contenders.

A revamped roster, after all, often comes with growing pains. That could mean the team will hit a few rough patches during the season.

On the flip side, though, major change also brings hope. After two dismal seasons, Als fans will be grateful for that.