BENEVIDES NAMED HEAD COACH OF BC LIONS

Former York University student-athlete and football coach Mike Benevides was named the head coach of the BC Lions on Tuesday (Dec. 13).

He takes over for Wally Buono, who stepped down from the role to focus on his duties as general manager following the team’s Grey Cup win last month. Benevides has been with the Lions since 2003, first as its special teams coordinator and then as the defensive coordinator, which he was promoted to in 2008.

Benevides, who is from Toronto and attended Central Technical School, played on York’s offensive and defensive line in the early 90s and took over as defensive line coach when his playing days were over in 1993.

“Mike has taken every opportunity that has been presented to him and succeeded. He possesses a unique combination of experience, passion and people skills that make him a perfect fit to be the next coach of the BC Lions,” said Buono. “I look forward to working with Mike and bringing another championship home to BC in 2012.”

“I am both humbled and thrilled to accept the position as head coach of the BC Lions,” said the newly appointed Benevides. “I can’t imagine a better situation than right here in BC to take on this new challenge and I am grateful for the support of Wally Buono, Dennis Skulsky and the entire organization.” 

Since 2008, when Benevides was named defensive coordinator, no CFL team has recorded more quarterback sacks (211), or forced more turnovers (203) than the Lions.  The 5,725 net yards allowed by Benevides’ squad in 2011 was second to only Winnipeg and was the club's best regular season defensive performance since 2006, as well as the second lowest total allowed by the Leos in the past 16 seasons. 

With files from BCLions.com