Like any good father would, Danny Maciocia wouldn't accept a Christmas present without making sure his children had one under the tree.
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There was therefore an oral agreement between Maciocia and the Alouettes organization for an extension of his contract until 2027, which was announced on Wednesday. However, the general manager insisted that at the same time head coach Jason Maas, who wisely led the team to win the Gray Cup this year, would be rewarded.
Photo Martin Chevalier
“I was waiting for Jason to sign before me because in my eyes it was important that the announcement was made at the same time,” Maciocia said on Wednesday afternoon during the press conference, which also included comments on his own contract extension from Meuse until 2026. I didn't want it to be my day, but our day.
Watch Danny Maciocia's press conference in the main video.
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For his part, Maas, who was later available via video conference, testified about the special relationship that unites him with Maciocia, with whom he now shares three Gray Cup victories. Two of them in Edmonton (2003 and 2005) when he was quarterback, the last time in Montreal in his role as head coach.
“The reason I came to Montreal is no secret, it was because of Danny Maciocia,” recalled Maas, who was also introduced as the 27th head coach in Alouettes history. Exactly a year ago, on December 20th, 2022. I still love the time I spend with Danny, I feel like he is family to me. That's my type [my guy]I want to work with him.”
Jason Maas and Danny Maciocia, December 20, 2022, during the press conference to introduce the Alouettes' new head coach. Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal / Agence QMI
In this case, since Maas, at 48, is eight years younger than Maciocia, it would be more accurate to describe him as the CEO's younger brother and not as a son.
Announcements to follow
After Maciocia and Maas, we can now expect the Alouettes to announce agreements with several other instructors on the team, probably at the end of the week.
“Danny and I have talked about personnel and I assume that the offers are there,” noted Maas. An update will come, but I'm looking forward to working with these guys again. They are exceptional people, hard workers and good teachers.”
“Here I can work in peace with people I consider an extension of my family,” Maciocia responded, making no secret of the fact that other instructors would be rewarded after the recent capture of the Gray Cup. I hope to continue with all these good people.”
“Money on the table”
Going back to his own contract extension, the GM couldn't help but bristle a little when asked if negotiations with the organization had been difficult.
“I think I left money on the table,” Maciocia joked, sparking laughter from reporters. There is no one getting rich off of CFL salaries, whether players, coaches or management. But you can't put numbers on the environment you work in and the people you surround yourself with. It's worth more than you can imagine.” .
“When I look at the current state of our football team, I see that Jason is the ideal candidate to take us to the next level,” Maciocia said confidently a year ago during the press conference to introduce the 27th head coach in the organization’s history. I did a lot of research into the backgrounds of all of my interviewees and Jason Maas was by far the best candidate.”
IN THE NOTEBOOK…
Will William Stanback come back?
The running back issue may be the most intriguing one for the Alouettes this offseason. It is said that William Stanback would very much like to return to Montreal, but nothing is less certain. In the recent election campaign, the Alouettes also relied on American Walter Fletcher and Canadian Jeshrun Antwi. “Will the three of them come back?” NO. “There will be decisions to be made,” general manager Danny Maciocia said Wednesday during the press conference, which initially focused on commenting on his contract extension and that of head coach Jason Maas.
Steve Pierre Bolo Mboumoua in the eye of the CEO
Curious coincidence: On the sidelines of his recent trip to Aruba, Danny Maciocia met Quebec prospect Steve Pierre Bolo Mboumoua, who has just signed with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, at the airport. “He is a real man, he has a lot of potential and I am convinced that we will hear his name a lot in the coming years,” noted the Alouettes GM, suggesting that the 19-year-old defensive end's long-term future could be in the NFL lie.
Negotiations on the beach…
A tireless worker, Danny Maciocia thanks members of his immediate family for their many sacrifices, especially his wife: “We just spent a week together in Aruba, but I had to negotiate contracts.”
A happy president
Mark Weightman, President and CEO of Alouettes, is fully satisfied with the announced extensions for Jason Maas and Danny Maciocia: “It's a great day for our organization. I was happy to work with Danny again when I returned to the Alouettes last March knowing that we would be happy to work together over the next few years. We like the direction our team is moving in and this stability will only make us stronger.”