As Training Camp Approaches Where Does Marc Trestman Stand in Contract Negotiations With The Montreal Alouettes?

As the seconds tick closer to Sunday’s official opening of the Montreal Alouettes training camp, where does head coach Marc Trestman stand with his contract negotiations?

Since his last media session in November of 2011, Trestman would not answer any questions pertaining to his future with the organization.

Then at the beginning of January reports surfaced that the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts were interested in Trestman’s services. At the end, he was bypassed for Chuck Pagano.

But right after that, a local story mentioned an extension was imminent that he would pen a new deal. Nothing came out of that. As recently as this month, it was being mentioned that he may have been offered a long-term deal with an out clause to pursue an NCAA, or NFL opportunity.

What could be the holdup on why Trestman has not inked a new deal? Earlier this month the Alouettes were dealing with then president Ray Lalonde abruptly resigning from the team. So that could have potentially held up any progress in contract talks.

Ever since Trestman brought the Alouettes to the Grey Cup in 2008, his name has been linked to every coaching opening in the United States.  But yet, he is still here coaching away.

In conversing with another local media personality, the member said he (Trestman) better be prepared to face a barrage of questions about his future. For those who have covered Trestman knows he puts up a steel wall with a force field surrounding his answers.

However, it seemed during the 2011 season it touched a nerve with him when pressed by the local media on his future intentions. Even beyond his status with the team, Trestman did not take too kindly on some questions from the media on player personnel and in-game decisions he made.

An example that could be compared to the Trestman scenario was in the 1998 season with then Green Bay Packers head coach, Mike Holmgren. For those who recall, they were fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos. Holmgren entered that season with a loaded team that eventually lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Shortly thereafter, he resigned and bolted for the Seattle Seahawks.

As one prominent source recently informed me that the reason why Trestman has yet to sign a new deal with the Alouettes is because he is keeping his NFL options open.

If Trestman opts to enter this season with no new deal in-hand, he should be prepared for the amount of questions he will get about his future. If he does sign a new deal, it ends any immediate speculation of him bolting down south. Then again, his name will continuously be linked to any vacant coaching job.

It has been a rough offseason for upper management given the reports of lost sponsor revenue, season ticket holders not renewing, and lack of marketing momentum. Furthermore, members of Trestman’s staff have left for better opportunities elsewhere.  

On the field the product should be fine, but could this be the last year of Anthony Calvillo, could this be last run of a so-called dynasty that has had an iron fist on the CFL. Finally what does the future hold for Trestman? Only he knows the answer to this question.

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Photo credit: www.cfl.ca