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

Jim Popp, a former CFL executive with a storied career, has been hired as a senior football adviser for the struggling Ottawa Redblacks. The move comes after the Redblacks fired their vice-president of football operations and defensive coordinator, while their president stepped down earlier in the week. Popp, who has spent 28 seasons in the CFL, previously served as the general manager of the Toronto Argonauts, winning the Grey Cup in his first season.

Popp's return to Canada after serving as senior vice-president of player personnel with the USFL/UFL from 2022 to 2025 presents an opportunity to work with a team that needs help. Ottawa has not made the playoffs since 2024 and is currently ranked last in several offensive and defensive categories. Popp, 61, expressed enthusiasm about joining a franchise he has always loved and emphasized his commitment to helping the Redblacks turn things around in the 2026 season.