It is a homecoming for Jean-Marc Edmé. Appointed early last week as the new Director of Pro Personnel, his arrival in the team marks a major strengthening of our football operations.
The interest came from both sides. Watching you guys play, I kept getting butterflies thinking it would be fun to come home, so I’m really glad it worked out.
Suggesting Edmé take the helm was merely a token gesture. After a quick lunch with Danny Maciocia, the Montreal North native confirmed that he was up to the task. In any case, it was enough to take a look at his CV, which spoke volumes.
I have good experience. I’ve worked with some good football minds, so I’ve got a good sense of direction.
After an eight-year stint with the Alouettes from 2008 to 2015, Edmé was initially hired as a defensive assistant for Marc Trestman’s squad but also served as a collegiate player scout for the team. On top of evaluating players at the pro level, monitoring NFL transactions, and providing advance scouting reports on opponents for the coaching staff, Edmé has many tools in his box. Ready to lend a hand, Edmé talks about the importance of a common vision with the team’s GM in order to rally behind him.
Danny wants the best scouting team. He’s thinking big, and I’m in the same spirit. I’ve always been used to that kind of vision, so we immediately agreed on our ambitions for the team.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Edmé joined the Ottawa REDBLACKS and worked his way up to Director of Player Personnel. Over the course of his career, Edmé has helped win three Grey Cups, including two with the Alouettes. These milestones, Edmé says, have given him the right mindset for this new assignment.
My goal is the Grey Cup. It’s everybody’s goal, we fight and work for it. I won two Grey Cups in Montreal, so I think I have the eye and the touch to do it again.
A justified sign of confidence for Edmé, who has worked very hard and relied on great motivation to obtain the title he has today.
I have matured a lot in the profession. The art of negotiation and my attention to detail are all aspects that I have honed during my time with the REDBLACKS and that I will be able to bring to the team.
As our general manager looks to build his ultimate A-team for the 2022 season, priority has been given to those for whom Alouettes’ passion runs through their veins, especially in the wake of the fast-approaching draft season.
It was important for me to get his (Danny’s) impressions of last season to see where he thinks we can improve in 2022. I need to know what he thinks so I can start tracking good players. I’m also evaluating the team as a whole to see how other players can help support the squad we already have.
I really want to look at the teams, see who can be cut and suggest the best alternative players for Danny.
As the newest member of the Alouettes packs his bags for Quebec, he notes that this return to his hometown is a nod to the efforts he has made since he decided to take up football with the Jeunesse au Soleil organization as a young teenager. Between playing for the Vanier Cheetahs in the Quebec AAA Collegiate League and then donning the Vert et Or uniform for Edmé, everything started in la belle province, it’s only fitting that he returns.
When I told my family and friends that I was coming back, they were all too happy. My mother is a huge Alouettes fan. If you come to our house in Montreal North, you will still see pieces of newspaper from the Grey Cup victory!
We have added a great football mind to the team by appointing Edmé to his title. With all the experience gained over the last few years, we can’t wait to see how successful this season will be with him at our side!
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