Contained in the CFL: Longtime Als assistant Bolduc embraces function with Riders

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André Bolduc knew issues had modified when he went for his first haircut in Regina.

Realizing who was seated in his chair — Bolduc is in his first season because the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ operating backs coach and run-game co-ordinator — the barber instantly informed him he ought to be taking part in observe roster tailback Frankie Hickson extra. By no means thoughts the very fact doing so would come on the expense of fellow import and starter, Jamal Morrow, who had a season-high 133 yards dashing in opposition to Calgary in late June.

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“They don’t fairly know the (ratio) guidelines however they’re all coaches on this metropolis,” a laughing Bolduc informed the Montreal Gazette this week in a phone interview. “The Riders are just like the Canadiens. Everyone’s a coach.

“In Montreal, there’s the Canadiens, however there’s additionally System One weekend, soccer, the Jazz fest and the tennis is occurring proper now. Every thing’s large in Montreal. Right here, the main target is their soccer workforce. I say their due to the construction; it’s a community-owned workforce. They really feel like they personal the workforce. They know the gamers, the coaches. They problem us on calls.”

Bolduc, 52, spent the ultimate 4 seasons of his taking part in profession as an Alouettes receiver earlier than returning to the group as an assistant coach in 2014. He left on the finish of final season after he wasn’t chosen as the brand new head coach. Normal supervisor Danny Maciocia employed Jason Maas, with whom he had beforehand labored with at Edmonton.

Whereas Bolduc felt he was prepared — he coached the Als for one recreation, a September 2021 loss to B.C. when Khari Jones had COVID — for the accountability and title, he didn’t take the choice personally. However he additionally realized he had reached a useless finish with the group and was prepared to just accept a brand new problem.

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And there arguably isn’t any larger CFL problem than working within the fishbowl that’s Saskatchewan, the place the Riders’ efficiency is mentioned all year long. Bolduc joined a corporation the place basic supervisor Jeremy O’Day and head coach Craig Dickenson are within the closing 12 months of their contracts.

Bolduc knew what he was wading into, but additionally had a detailed affiliation with Kelly Jeffrey, the Riders’ offensive co-ordinator and quarterbacks coach.

“I informed you final 12 months that I needed to problem myself,” stated Bolduc, in Montreal for Friday evening’s Molson Stadium encounter in opposition to Montreal. “I’m not going to say I had 10 choices, however I did have choices. One was to return right here and be challenged by the magnitude of what’s occurring. I’m having fun with it. I’m loving it.

“I’m in an setting the place we don’t conceal what’s occurring. There’s slightly strain right here. The top coach and GM are on the final 12 months of their contracts. The media brings it up each week. They’ve plenty of strain and we have now to do lots to make it proper. Each recreation’s necessary. We don’t get lengthy contracts. We get a 12 months, generally two. There’s not a lot stability. You may as effectively select the place you need to work.”

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Bolduc now not has to stroll 10 minutes from Olympic Stadium to the Als’ observe facility positioned adjoining to Saputo Stadium, or take a bus to Stade Hébert in St-Léonard, the place the workforce practised for years. The Riders observe and play at Mosaic Stadium, a 30,048-seat marvel that opened in 2017. Having the whole lot in a single location lets the coaches maximize the 4.5 hours the gamers are allowed every day to spend in conferences, movie overview and observe.

However that’s just one perk to Bolduc’s new job.

Residing in Regina has its benefits. Those that dwell there have lengthy claimed any vacation spot could be reached inside 5 to 10 minutes, and Bolduc maintains he has but to come across visitors jams.

“You don’t need to calculate or take into consideration the place you’re going,” he stated.

Every thing he wants — groceries, pharmacies and eating places — is obtainable, solely with fewer choices than in Montreal. Bolduc shares a three-bedroom house with assistant coaches Drew Tate and Naaman Roosevelt, however isn’t positive wherein a part of town it’s positioned, solely that it’s close to the airport and 6 minutes from the stadium.

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“It’s a pleasant metropolis,” Bolduc stated. “Each metropolis has one thing to supply. I completely consider that.”

Born in Alma, Bolduc, his spouse, Patricia, and their 4 youngsters nonetheless dwell in Sherbrooke — their house even when he coached with the Als, though he maintained an condominium within the metropolis. Bolduc’s spouse visited as soon as earlier this season, and he or she was ready when the workforce arrived Thursday in Montreal. Bolduc returns house every time the workforce has a bye week within the schedule. Whereas the separation will not be straightforward, the times are lengthy, largely spent on the facility. The times off are few and much between, so there’s not a lot idle time for Bolduc’s thoughts to wander.

This week, and Friday’s recreation, are undoubtedly particular to him.

“I performed for that workforce and I coached for that workforce,” Bolduc stated. “I by no means actually performed in opposition to it. It was particular to place the Als’ brand on the (game-plan) set up. It’s a particular recreation as a result of I’m going again house.”

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