MONTREAL (AP) — General manager Kavis Reed took over as the Montreal Alouettes' coach Wednesday after firing Jacques Chapdelaine and defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Noel Thorpe.

The Canadian Football League team changed coaches in the middle of the season for the third straight year.

"There's never a right time," Reed said.

Chapdelaine took over coaching duties from Jim Popp last season, after Popp — then the general manager — replaced Tom Higgins in 2015. The Alouettes (3-8) also changed coaches in 2013 campaign, with Popp stepping in for Dan Hawkins.

The 44-year-old Reed was 22-32 as Edmonton's coach from 2011-2013. The former Furman defensive back played for the Eskimos from 1995-99.

The revamped staff will get its first test Sunday at home against the Ottawa Redblacks.

"It's a tough situation," quarterback Darian Durant said. "You respect those guys, but it's a tough business we're in. As a team I think we have enough veterans to keep the guys going and keep the room upbeat. We have to move on."

Reed said quarterbacks coach Anthony Calvillo will handle the play-calling duties.