The season has been over for two weeks, but there is no shortage of action at the Vert & Or at the University of Sherbrooke.
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After the university decided on Tuesday not to renew head coach Mathieu Lecompte’s contract, it is now Dominic Picard’s turn to leave the program. The offensive coordinator, who has one year left on his contract, resigned Thursday and cut ties with the organization.
“When I accepted the position of offensive coordinator last December, it was to work with coach Lecompte, and that project no longer exists with his departure,” explained the former center, who played ten seasons in the CFL. When I learned that Mathieu would not be coming back, I began a period of reflection and decided on Wednesday that I did not want to continue with this new project and would put an end to the adventure.
“I was looking for stability and had not planned to stay at Sherbrooke for just one season, but other opportunities will arise to pursue the man who led the Élans de Garneau before moving to Vert & Or. I will take the time to let the dust settle and I will explore all options.”
The Vert & Or wanted to find Lecompte’s successor internally, but Picard wasn’t interested. Everything indicates that former Vert & Or linebacker and special teams coordinator Kevin Régimbald will take over the leadership of the team. There is no time to waste as recruitment is in full swing.
Returning in 2024
Picard is a passionate footballer and sees himself on the sidelines next season. “My plan is to become a coach, even if I don’t have anything in mind at the moment,” he said. I have a passion for football. I love competing, teaching and I love soccer.”
With just one win in the regular season and a correction in the semifinals against the University of Montreal Carabins, the Vert & Or had a very difficult season. “I’m a challenging guy and I knew what I was getting myself into,” he said. The challenge I face at Sherbrooke is one of the reasons I took the job. There was progress, but not enough to achieve victories. The RSEQ is the best conference in the country and there is still a lot of work to be done to compete with Montreal and Laval.
Meeting with the players
Picard had planned to meet with offensive unit players Friday to announce his decision, but the news leaked before then. The university issued a press release. He had warned certain leaders of his chosen offensive. Nevertheless, he would like to meet the group on Friday.
“Because I have seen the student-athletes grow and we have developed a bond, it can only be an emotional meeting,” he emphasized. The farewell to Mathieu, which I learned about on Tuesday at 9 a.m., was very emotional.
Good words for Mathieu Lecompte
Before ending the interview, Picard paid tribute to Lecompte, who led Vert & Or for seven years. “I got to know him and he’s a good person and a great leader. Mathieu has his style, but he is passionate and committed. I take my hat off to him and thank him for giving me the opportunity to coach at the university level.”