Alouettes' Popp won't return as GM in 2017

Jim Popp's lengthy tenure with the Montreal Alouettes has come to an end.

Popp will not return to the team as general manager next season, the team said in a statement.

"Jim's leadership over the last 20-plus years has created a football legacy, delivering Montreal three Grey Cups and eight Eastern Division titles during his tenure. We are very grateful for his dedication and personal sacrifice to the Alouettes franchise. We know this team is positioned to get back to its winning ways in 2017," owner Bob Wetenhall said.

Popp has been with the team for 21 seasons, and, in addition to being GM, has served as head coach on four different occasions - most recently this season, before resigning and turning over the duties to Jacques Chapdelaine.

The team's record under the 51-year-old over the past two years has been disappointing to say the least, as the Als missed out on the playoffs the last two seasons after making it every year since 1996.

"We are 100 percent committed to bringing the Grey Cup back to Montreal, and our record over the last several years has not been acceptable," Wetenhall said. "Our General Manager search is focused on candidates that will embrace the club's three guiding principles: delivering championship football to our fans; supporting the success of our players and staff; and giving back to the Montreal and greater Quebec community."