Popp eager to return to Canada as senior adviser with struggling Ottawa Redblacks

Popp has spent 28 CFL seasons as a coach and front-office executive and been part of five Grey Cup-winning teams. His last tenure in Canada was as general manager of the Toronto Argonauts (2017-19), earning his last league title in his first season with the franchise.

Popp returns north after serving as senior vice-president of player personnel with the USFL/UFL (2022-2025).

“To be honest I never really looked or planned to exit Canada … it’s just things happened the way they did,” Popp said 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.”

Ottawa’s situation presents a big challenge. The Redblacks have dropped 16 straight regular-season games dating back to last year, tying the CFL’s modern-era record (since Second World War) set by the Hamilton Wildcats (1948-49).

Popp said it’s way too early to determine what his first order of business will be with Ottawa.

“I’ve been on the phone, obviously, with Mark (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group CEO Mark Goudie) and Ryan (head coach/GM Ryan Dinwiddie) but we all need to sit down and go through the nuts and bolts of everything,” Popp said. “I’m going to help Mark in areas that he needs help in as an adviser and try to do whatever I can for Coach (Dinwiddie) but I’ve also got to meet with and get to know everyone in the organization as well.

“Obviously, there’ll probably be some personnel changes at some point (but) you can’t just go crazy because guys have to know what they’re doing on the field. That’s going to take some time … I’ll be watching plenty of film.”

Popp will have some time to fully assess his new situation. The Redblacks host the B.C. Lions on Sunday night then are off until Sept. 12 when they visit Toronto.

But there will be plenty for Popp to evaluate.

Ottawa is ranked last overall in offensive points per game (21.5), rushing (55 yards) and tied with Winnipeg for last in offensive TDs (20). The Redblacks are sixth in passing (294.4 yards per game) but tied for last with the Bombers in TD passes (12).

Defensively, Ottawa is last in sacks (14), second-down conversions allowed (56.7 per cent), pass defence (329.6 yards), offensive points (35.5) and offensive touchdowns surrendered (37).

Popp, 61, of Elkin, N.C., has extensive knowledge of how to build successful teams in the CFL. Over his tenure as a GM, Popp’s clubs have made 11 Grey Cup appearances, winning five times.

Popp’s teams have amassed an overall 269-203-1 regular-season record and 27-17 playoff mark.

Popp spent 21 seasons as the Montreal Alouettes GM (1996-2016), leading the franchise to eight Grey Cup appearances, three championships and 19 playoff berths. He also won a Grey Cup as GM of the Baltimore Stallions in 1995.

He began is CFL career with Saskatchewan (1992-93) as its player-personnel director and receivers coach under head coach Don Matthews. The Roughriders made the playoffs both years.

Popp won’t need time to get to know Dinwiddie, who began his CFL coaching career as an assistant with Montreal (2013-15). Dinwiddie is in his first season with Ottawa after winning two Grey Cups over five seasons as Toronto’s head coach (2021-25).

“I had a great interest in working with Ryan,” Popp said. “Before I ever got him I knew a lot about him and how smart he was.

“I really want to help him and Mark have success with the Ottawa franchise.”

Popp’s tenure with Ottawa is for the remainder of the season and said that’s where his focus lies.

“Look, let’s get this thing rolling in the right direction, let’s work together and build camaraderie and a working relationship,” Popp said. “I mean, I know Mark but I don’t know him well.

“This works for both of us. I’m available, I want to work and want to help them and this gives them a chance to try to get some stuff turned around in 2026 that really sets this table for 2027. I think we’ll just have a much better understanding and idea of where we go from there.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 25, 2026.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Popp eager to return to Canada as senior adviser with struggling Ottawa Redblacks

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