Courtesy Montreal Gazette:

Steve Buratto, who has spent more than 25 years coaching in the Canadian Football League, has emerged as a potential leading candidate to replace Jim Popp as the Alouettes’ next head coach.

And, in a startling revelation, it was Don Matthews, Montreal’s former head coach, who initially called Buratto to gauge his interest, The Gazette has learned. Matthews, according to sources, is serving as a consultant to owner Robert Wetenhall, doing some work in the background and, at the very least, making some recommendations to Wetenhall. The owner is relying on people like Matthews and president Larry Smith to help in the process, but it will be Wetenhall’s decision on who replaces Popp, and it might simply be based on a gut instinct.

Matthews coached the Alouettes for close to five seasons, but left in October 2006 under mysterious circumstances, shortly after the team ended a six-game losing streak.

The organization has maintained that Matthews resigned for health reasons. No matter what did or didn’t transpire, it’s obvious he remains a favourite of Wetenhall.

Indeed, The Gazette reported this season that Matthews shared an evening with Wetenhall at the owner’s downtown Montreal condo and watched the Als lose handily at Edmonton on Sept. 14.

With Matthews making suggestions to Wetenhall, it’s not surprising Buratto’s name would emerge. Not only were Buratto and Matthews college teammates at Idaho, Buratto has served under Matthews at British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Baltimore.

Matthews was the head coach at Baltimore in 1994 and ‘95. That team went to two consecutive Grey Cups, winning one, with Buratto as the offensive coordinator. That team also featured a young Popp, who worked as the assistant general manager and director of player personnel.

Buratto, Toronto’s offensive co-ordinator, will be in Montreal for an interview on Thursday. Smith extended the invitation - after Matthews placed a call to Buratto.

“I had a little forewarning,” Buratto said, a slight chuckle in his voice. “He (Matthews) asked me if I’d be interested.”

Buratto, 64, has a year remaining on his contract with the Argonauts. Toronto finished first in the East Division this season, winning 11 of 18 games, despite losing starting quarterback Michael Bishop for an extended period. The Argos, however, were upset by Winnipeg in the division final, scoring only one touchdown in the game.

Buratto was Calgary’s head coach in 1984, when the Stampeders went 6-10. He was fired the next season, after the team lost its opening five games.

Buratto also replaced Greg Mohns as B.C.’s coach in August 2000, guiding them to a Cup victory against the Alouettes.

Buratto remained the Lions’ coach in 2001 and for six games the following season.

“I’m very excited by this opportunity, one that I didn’t think would come along again,” he said. “I’m at a point in my career where it would be nice to finish as a head coach. There aren’t many circumstances, so I’m anxious to do it.

“I’m as ignorant as I can be on whom they’re talking to and my prospects. But I’ve got an opportunity (for an interview), so I at least have a chance. Now it becomes a question of who creates a feeling they can lead the team to a winning season. You have to convince those who are making the decision you can get the job done.”

Smith announced last Tuesday that Popp would remain Montreal’s GM, but was being relieved of his coaching duties. The Als went 8-10 last season and finished third in the division, losing in the opening round of the playoffs at Winnipeg.

Others in the running to replace Popp as coach include: Marcel Bellefeuille and Chris Jones, the Alouettes’ offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively; Winnipeg defensive coordinator Greg Marshall; Saskatchewan defensive coordinator Richie Hall and, perhaps, former Calgary head coach Tom Higgins along with Jacques Chapdelaine, Edmonton’s former offensive coordinator.