Courtesy Calgary Herald:

Before being hired by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2001, Tom Higgins had unsuccessfully interviewed six times for head coaching positions.

This man knows what it’s like to be rejected.

“I’ve been on both sides of that table,” he said.

Higgins, the former head coach of the Calgary Stampeders, has confirmed he interviewed earlier this week for the Montreal Alouettes’ vacant head coaching position, formerly held by Jim Popp. Higgins, 53, was one of the first outside the organization to be flown to Montreal.

“You’re the first to ask me,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. But I’m being cautious with everything, I tell you.

“To have time with people is great. Lots of times they don’t know you. They know your personality on TV or how it’s portrayed.”

Higgins coached the Eskimos for four seasons, reaching the Grey Cup twice. He had one win and a loss, both against the Als. He joined the Stamps in 2005, but his team’s victory totals declined each year — from 11 to 10 and, finally, eight — and Calgary never advanced beyond the West Division semifinal.

Higgins was unceremoniously fired at the end of the season — long after it had been established he was being replaced by John Hufnagel. Higgins said Thursday it was “embarrassing” for the organization. He declined an opportunity to remain with the Stamps in a front-office administration post.

Higgins is considered one of the Canadian Football League’s classier individuals — someone who won’t ruffle feathers. And numerous sources have indicated the admiration Als owner Robert Wetenhall holds for Higgins. But will that be enough to land him the job?

“You’re asking the wrong person,” he said. “I was pleased to receive the opportunity to present myself. I wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t think I was competent or wasn’t ready to start another venture.

“But this decision is absolutely 100 per cent out of my hands. What are they looking for? What suits the Als and what’s the best fit? I can’t answer that. I don’t have a clue. But I was given an opportunity, gave it my best shot and have no regrets. That organization has a lot going for it. If I didn’t feel that way I wouldn’t have gotten on a plane and tried selling myself.”

Higgins said he hopes to remain in the CFL, but admitted he might have to explore options in the U.S. He also said he might have to sit out next season should nothing transpire.