Hey Guys,
First time in this forum. I'm from Montreal and I've been living in Chicago for 2 years now. Just my 2 cents here on the firing on Hawkins. Trestman had a unique relationship with the Montreal QB. Montreal's QB is now 41 years old, but he's still considered the best in the CFL, and one the best of all-time (just for comparison sake, imagine a Tom Brady playing in the last 2 seasons of his career without Belichick and the Patriots have to find a new HC). The lost of Trestman was really hard on the entire Montreal organization (and journalists who loved him), but none harder than on the QB. So when the GM started a search for a new HC, the final 3 HC had to had an interview with the QB (because the organisation wanted to make sure he was on board with the hiring). The problem was that Hawkins promised to run a very similar offense (which has been a top 3 for the past 5 years). But since the beginning of the year, the Montreal offense ran the same play over and over again (the little screen pass), that was quickly picked up by other teams defense after the first game, and you could clearly see that Hawkins didn't do his homework during the off season. The problem of the Montreal team since the beginning of the year is clearly the offense which is horrendous!! And of course, the frustration gained the team and the QB. The win in Hawkins last game was at home against the worst team of the league (1W 6L since the beginning of the year, and last place last year). But in order to win against them, they had to stop them on the goal line on the last play of the game!! I know, a win is a win, but the Montreal team is supposed to aim at the championship, not just make the playoff or barley win against the worst team.
Anyway, the decision of the firing came mostly from the owner. But it is suspected that the Montreal QB was really unhappy and since he's the leader of the team, a lot of the other players followed his lead. I know I know, players should play and shut up, but that QB is really respected in the league, by the organization and in the city in general. Some Montreal fans wonder if he is done as an elite QB, which is probably true (hey, he is 41 after all!). But still, the team is better than what they have shown since the beginning of the year, and hence the firing of Hawkins.
I'll follow the Bears very closely this year! I'm intrigued to see if Trestman success as a HC in the CFL will translate into the NFL. A lot of comparison have been made between him and Marv Levy who also coached the Montreal team in the CFL. Personally, I have little doubt in my mind that he will succeed. He is smart, very receptive, completely devoted, and very knowledgeable. The only detail is that he has to replace a very charismatic person, someone that the players really liked. Trestman will need the earn the trust of the leaders in order to have success.
Anyway, good season to you all! Hope the bears will give us a lot of pride and joy!
