CFL B.C. Lions

Lions Announce Paul Arslanian as Defensive Co-ordinator and Defensive Backs Coach

Published on February 3, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


VANCOUVER, B.C. Monday, February 3rd, 2003-- BC Lions General Manager and Head Coach, Wally Buono, today announced Paul Arslanian as Defensive Co-ordinator and Defensive Backs Coach of the BC Lions.

"Paul brings continuity and familiarity to our defence which I know will be an asset to the BC Lions," said Buono. "His role as defensive coordinator will only be strengthened as he returns to lead this aggressive unit."

After one year as linebacker coach with the XFL's Birmingham Thunderbolts, where he coached the defensive MVP of the league, Paul was hired as the BC Lions defensive coordinator for the 2002 season. With the Lions in 2003, Arslanian will take on the added duties of coaching the defensive backs.

Prior to his year of pro experience, Arslanian compiled an impressive NCAA coaching record. He spent the 2000 season as San Jose State University's defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. During that time, the Spartans set a Western Athletic Conference record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with six, which was also second all-time nationally.

SJSU finished as one of the best defences nationally in turnover margins and take-aways. Prior to his year at SJSU, Arslanian worked at Utah State, where he was the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

At USU his defence was ranked number one in the conference and one of the best in the nation, while playing the toughest schedule in school history. From 1992-1997 Paul was the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at Weber State. WSU's defence was ranked last in the Big Sky conference the year Arslanian arrived. Three of the six years he was there they were ranked first.

Dave and his wife Julie have two sons, Chris and Kyle.

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