Jun
Trestman happy in Montreal
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
He was loath to address the speculation last winter, when his name was first linked to the Oakland Raiders’ coaching vacancy. And, on the opening day of training camp workouts, Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman remained unwilling to broach the subject.
But team president Larry Smith, in an exclusive interview with The Gazette, emphatically stated Trestman isn’t going anywhere.
“Marc Trestman signed a three-year deal with us and he’s not going anywhere for three years,” Smith said. “He obligated himself to us and we obligated ourselves to him. We have a contract. We’re honouring our side and he’ll honour his.”
Smith stated repeatedly throughout the interview that Trestman’s contract, which ends after the 2010 season, doesn’t include an escape clause allowing him to return to the NFL – something that appears to go against the norm, since it would deny him a promotion along with a considerable increase in salary.
“We’re not inhibiting him from building his future,” Smith stated. “When his obligation ends, he’ll be in a fantastic position to benefit himself.”
Trestman, 53, spent close to 20 years in the NFL, serving as an offensive
co-ordinator for four teams – Cleveland, San Francisco, Arizona and the Raiders – before being hired by the Als despite the lack of head coaching and Canadian Football League experience. And he enjoyed instant success, helping guide Montreal to an 11-7 record and first place in the East Division. The Als lost the Grey Cup to Calgary, but Trestman was named a finalist for coach of the year.
The Als led the league in scoring with 610 points. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo passed for 5,633 yards and 43 touchdowns, and was named the CFL’s outstanding player.
Predictably, Trestman’s success correlated into a rumour, broached by NFL on CBS analyst Charley Casserly last January, that he could be returning to the Raiders, AFC champions in 2002 with Trestman as the architect of the team’s dynamic offence.
It was never confirmed, however, whether Trestman was interviewed by the Raiders. He refused to address the issue at the time. That refusal, following Smith’s revelation yesterday, now becomes clearer, although it certainly won’t hurt Trestman’s stock should the Als continue winning.
“Things go on that are part of the offseason,” Trestman said yesterday. “Names are linked to teams and rumours fly. If we continue to win, things that happen in the offseason and rumours will continue. That’s the nature of success. I expect to be here for the term of my contract.
“At this stage of life, I see myself right here,” he added. “I enjoy this team and love being here. I’m totally immersed being the head coach here.”
Back in 2000, less than a week following Montreal’s Cup defeat to British Columbia, head coach Charlie Taaffe resigned, despite having time remaining on his contract, to become the offensive co-ordinator at the University of Maryland. Als owner Robert Wetenhall and Smith decided such a scenario would never transpire again.
“We made a conscious decision … to honour our obligation,” Smith explained. “We want our coach to stay. We want continuity. We’re not hindering anyone, but we’re credible people. We’re trying to protect our franchise, fans and the community.
“We’re very excited to have Marc Trestman as our coach. He’s a great human being … a strong leader with great experience. He’s creative and innovative.”
And Montreal players are relieved he returned.
“I knew there was a threat he wouldn’t be back,” slotback Ben Cahoon said. “He’s the heart and soul of our team. He’s our leader and we all have the utmost respect and trust in him.”
Centre Bryan Chiu, contemplating retirement, decided to return based on Trestman’s commitment. When Chiu learned of the Raiders rumour, he phoned Trestman in North Carolina.
“I was 100-per-cent worried. Based on the success we had, I figured this was just a pitstop,” Chiu said. “He assured me he would be back. I think it’s huge. A big part of who we are is based on Trestman.”
Notes – Receiver Jamel Richardson, who gained a team-leading 1,287 yards last season while scoring 16 touchdowns, has been placed on the disabled list. He’s suffering from pneumonia. … Running-back Mike Imoh and middle-linebacker Reggie Hunt have yet to be medically cleared because of knee and shoulder problems, respectively. … Defensive-back Stanford Samuels, signed as a free-agent from Winnipeg, hasn’t taken his physical and has been suspended.
