Brock Sunderland named assistant general manager of Ottawa’s new CFL franchise

OTTAWA – Brock Sunderland was named assistant general manager of Ottawa’s new CFL franchise Wednesday.

He’ll be involved in all facets of football operations, including scouting and player contracts, the expansion team said in a release.

“I’m delighted to welcome Brock to our organization,” said general manager Marcel Desjardins. “He brings a wealth of experience and a proven eye for talent that will be invaluable to our organization as we evaluate players and build our team for the 2014 season.”

Sunderland spent the last six years with the NFL’s New York Jets in scouting roles, most recently covering college players in the western United States.

Before that, he spent three seasons with the Montreal Alouettes. Sunderland joined the CFL team in 2004 as a scout and was later promoted to director of scouting.

“I consider myself very fortunate to be able to return to the Canadian Football League and specifically to Ottawa,” said Sunderland. “I’m looking forward to helping build a team from the ground up with people who are well respected in this industry. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Sunderland, a native of Great Falls, Mont., was a wide receiver and punt returner for the University of Montana before knee injuries ended his playing career.