Jim Popp eager to return to Canada with Redblacks

Jim Popp is returning to Canadian football in a senior advisory role with the Ottawa Redblacks, a team currently enduring a winless 0-10 season. The appointment comes amid significant front-office changes, including the recent firing of vice-president of football operations Shawn Burke and the resignation of team president Adrian Sciarra.

Popp brings a wealth of experience to the struggling franchise, having spent 28 CFL seasons as a coach and executive, contributing to five Grey Cup-winning teams. His last stint in Canada was as general manager for the Toronto Argonauts from 2017 to 2019, where he secured a league title in his first season. He most recently served as senior vice-president of player personnel for the USFL/UFL.

"To be honest I never really looked or planned to exit Canada … it’s just things happened the way they did," Popp stated Tuesday. "I’ve embraced Canada, I love the CFL and its history, Canada is a second home for me, all of my six kids were born there. It’s a great opportunity to jump back in and be a part of something I love."

The Redblacks face a daunting challenge, having lost 16 consecutive regular-season games, tying a CFL modern-era record. Popp acknowledged that it is too early to define his immediate priorities but emphasized the need for collaboration with CEO Mark Goudie and head coach/GM Ryan Dinwiddie. He plans to assess the team's personnel and game performance by reviewing film, anticipating potential personnel changes over time.

Ottawa's offensive statistics are among the league's lowest, ranking last in points per game, rushing yards, and tied for last in offensive touchdowns. Defensively, the team is last in sacks and struggles with second-down conversions. Popp will have time to evaluate the team before their next game against the B.C. Lions and a subsequent matchup against Toronto.

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To be honest I never really looked or planned to exit Canada … it’s just things happened the way they did. I’ve embraced Canada, I love the CFL and its history, Canada is a second home for me, all of my six kids were born there. It’s a great opportunity to jump back in and be a part of something I love.