CFL B.C. Lions

Lions announce coaching staff for 2007

Published on January 30, 2007 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


(Vancouver) BC Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono announced the club's coaching staff for 2007 today and as expected, the championship crew from 2006 will have just one change with the departure of former offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine.

"I am pleased with the staff we have assembled for 2007", said Lions' GM and head coach Wally Buono. "Maintaining overall consistency with our coaching staff has proven to be beneficial for our players and it's going to be even more important as we defend our title."

Buono enters his fifth season with the Leos after leading the club to its first Grey Cup championship since 2000 last season. Since joining the Black and Orange in 2003, Buono has spearheaded the Lions to three first-place regular season finishes in the West Division ('04, '05 & '06) and has racked-up 49 regular season wins for a .680 winning percentage.

Dave Ritchie begins his 47th year of coaching and returns as the club's defensive coordinator. In 2006, the Lions' defense ranked in the top three of 22 different defensive categories including total offence allowed (5380 yards - 1st) offense allowed per game (299 yards - 1st) and points allowed (341 - 2nd).

Mike Roach returns for his third season coaching the Lions' defensive line. Led by the CFL's Outstanding Defensive Player and Outstanding Canadian Brent Johnson as well as CFL Outstanding Rookie Aaron Hunt, Roach's D-line was a dominating force throughout the 2006 season and finished with 39 of the club's league leading 59 sacks.

Mike Benevides begins his fifth season as the club's special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. In 2006, the Lions set a new league standard by blocking kicks in three consecutive games. By comparison, the Lions haven't given up a blocked kick in three seasons. Benevides' returning duo of linebackers Otis Floyd and Javier Glatt enjoyed outstanding campaigns with Floyd earning All-Star status and Glatt leading the club in tackles (82).

Dan Dorazio enters his 35th year of coaching and his fifth with the Lions. The newly-named co-offensive coordinator will continue to tutor a veteran offensive line anchored by veterans Angus Reid, Kelly Bates and Bobby Singh. In 2006, Dorazio's O-line helped Lion quarterbacks secure the league's best passing percentage (68.3) and featured CFL Outstanding Lineman Rob Murphy.

Steff Kruck enters his third season with the Lions, his first as co-offensive coordinator and tutors one of the game's premier signal calling tandems in Dave Dickenson and Buck Pierce. As a unit, Lion QB's passed for a CFL-leading 5261yards last season; Dickenson led the CFL in passing efficiency (111.2) while Pierce had a CFL-high 73.7 completion percentage.

Jamie Barresi, the newly-named receivers coach for the Lions returns to the club after a volunteer role in 2006 overseeing the club's running backs. Barresi will enjoy working with arguably the CFL's most talented group of receivers led by CFL Most Outstanding Player Geroy Simon.

For more information on the 2006 Grey Cup Champion BC Lions Football Club please visit our website at bclions.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from January 30, 2007


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