CHARLOTTE - As the Carolina Panthers begin their search for the teams’ next general manager, a familiar name has landed on the potential candidates list.
Elkin native Jim Popp, 48, is one of six candidates set to interview for the position in Charlotte this week, the team announced Monday.
Popp, a native of Elkin and graduate of Mooresville High School, has spent the past 20 years in a variety of roles in the Canadian Football League. He currently serves as the vice president, general manager and director of football operations and player personnel for the Montreal Alouettes.
Popp’s teams in the CFL have reached the postseason in an unprecedented 20-straight seasons, capturing four Grey Cup Championships. Under his tutelage, the Alouettes have reached the Grey Cup Championship Game eight times since 2000, winning three titles (2002, 2009-10).
Despite not having any NFL experience, Popp has coached at the collegiate level at North Carolina, The Citadel and Michigan State. He also served as an assistant coach for the the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the World League.
In personal accolades, Popp was named the 2011 Sports Executive of the Year by Sports Media Canada.
Popp, his wife, Kimberly Hamilton Popp, and their six children still live in Mooresville.
Information provided by The Montreal Alouettes team page, montrealalouettes.com.
Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@civitasmedia.com.








