The Ottawa Redblacks announced Monday they've appointed Noel Thorpe as their new defensive coordinator.

Thorpe comes to Ottawa after five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, where he served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

"We are thrilled to add Noel to our coach staff," Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell said in a team release. "He has a proven track record of building first-rate defenses in the CFL. We are always looking to add first-rate coaches and players to strengthen our team and Noel fits the bill." 

"I am excited about the opportunity to join the Redblakcs staff," Thorpe said in the release. "This is a first class organization with great leadership and a commitment to excellence. Having worked with both Marcel and Rick in the past made this an ideal situation and I am looking forward to being a part of RNation.”

The Redblacks also announced last year's defensive coordinator, Mark Nelson, will remain with the team.

Earlier this off-season the Redblacks announced four assistant coaches - offensive line coach Bryan Chiu, defensive backs coach Ike Charlton, receivers coach Travis Moore, and linebackers coach Derek Oswalt - will not be back with the club next season. Nelson has prior experience as a linebackers coach.