Photo Credit Mark Steffens
The BC Lions continue to make their mark in the area in addition to adding a game in Victoria which will be played August 31st which is appropriately named Touchdown Pacific.
Thanks to Matt Baker Manager Communications for the press release.
Changes have been made with the signings of three Nationals: linebacker Markcus Jean-Loescher and DB’s Jassin States-McClean and Charlie Ringland.
Jean-Loescher (6’2, 225 lbs)- attended 2023 training camp in Kamloops after being selected in round four (34th overall) in last year’s Draft.
The Toronto native appeared in 18 games over three seasons (2019, 2021-22) at Saint Mary’s while recording 79 total tackles (57 solo, 22 assisted), six tackles for a loss, two sacks, and three pass breakups.
His dad Nautyn Mckay-Loescher was a second-round pick of the Lions in 2004 and would suit up in 55 games over four seasons with the club while winning a Grey Cup in 2006.
States-McClean (6 ‘2, 180 lbs)- also a 2023 training camp attendee, the Halifax native appeared in 27 games over four seasons at Saint Mary’s (2018-19, 2021-22) and racked up 40 solo tackles plus an interception.
States-McClean also suited up in the 2022 East-West Bowl. States-McLean was drafted in round six (52nd overall).
Ringland (6 ‘1, 198 lbs)- inks his first CFL contract after missing the 2023 campaign due to a knee injury.
The Winnipeg native was selected in round five (43rd overall) last May following a solid tenure at the University of Saskatchewan where he recorded 86 solo tackles, 15 pass knockdowns, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Recorded three interceptions in the 2022 Hardy Cup Semi-Final win over Manitoba while earning Canada West All-Star accolades that same year.
BC Lions co-general manager/head coach Rick Campbell today announced his entire coaching staff will return for the 2024 season.
In addition, Campbell announced that defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips will also take on the role of assistant head coach.
Co-General Manage Rick Campbell mentioned “We are thrilled to retain our coaching staff. It’s a big step in our process of getting ready for 2024,.“
“This is a group of great teachers and quality people. The continuity allows us to evolve and grow as a team and to be prepared for the exciting season ahead.”
In addition to the above they made it official by announcing the signings of the 2024 Coaching Staff:
- Co-general manager/head coach Rick Campbell,
- Defensive Coordinator/assistant Head Coach Ryan Phillips
- Offensive Coordinator Jordan Maksymic
- Special Teams coordinator Mike Benevides
- Defensive Line Coach John Bowman
- Linebackers Coach Travis Brown
- Assistant Defensive Backs Coach Tanya Henderson
- Receivers Coach Jason Tucker
- Offensive Line Coach Kelly Bates
- Running Backs Coach Trysten Dyce
- Special Teams Assistant/Video Coordinator Derek Oswalt.
Campbell has amassed a regular season record of 29-21-0 over three seasons at the helm and enters 2024 three wins shy of Dave Ritchie for sixth on the franchise’s all-time list and four behind Mike Benevides for fifth spot.
Maksymic– enters his fourth season guiding the Lions’ offence following another successful campaign where Vernon Adams Jr.who was the CFL’s leader with 4,769 passing yards.
The Lions’ offence also finished in the top three of several major categories including net yards, points scored, touchdowns, and first downs.
Phillips– the current coaching staff’s longest-serving member returns for a fifth season, third as defensive coordinator and also adds the title of assistant head coach to his resume.
Along with becoming the first CFL defence to record two shutouts in the same year since the 1970 Calgary Stampeders, RP’s unit also enjoyed a stretch of nearly 12 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown during their early-season dominance.
Benevides- re-joined the organization last May to guide the special teams. Under Bene’s watch, Sean Whyte emerged as a CFL All-Star and Western nominee for Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.
The Lions also led the CFL with four blocked kicks and allowed only seven big play returns, tied with Hamilton for the fewest amount in the league.
Brown- another mainstay on the staff entering year four in the Den, Brown’s linebackers made big strides this past season as Ben Hladik became the first Lion and only the fourth across CFL history to surpass 100 defensive tackles in a season.
Bo Lokombo would also establish a new career- high 75 defensive tackles while Josh Woods developed into a starting role, racking up a new career-high 45 tackles.
Bowman- the 2023 Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee is back for a third season guiding the defensive line.
This past season saw Mathieu Betts break the single-season Canadian sack record (18) and win CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player. In addition, Lion opponents averaged 99.3 rushing yards per game, fourth-lowest total across the CFL.
Henderson– adds the role of assistant defensive backs coach following two seasons of working closely in all aspects of the defensive drills and game plans. Henderson made history in 2021 by becoming the CFL’s first- ever full-time coach.
Tucker– once again led a dynamic group of playmakers in 2023 as both Keon Hatcher and Alexander Hollins eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark.
A West Division and CFL All-Star, Hatcher’s 1,226 yards were second in the CFL behind Hamilton’s Tim White.
Under Tucker’s guidance, Jevon Cottoy (807) and Justin McInnis (690) also established new career-high yard totals.
Bates– the two-time Lions Grey Cup champion enters his 16th season with the organization after leading an improved offensive line unit in 2023.
Along with helping the offence finish in the top three of most of those major categories, the o-line won the CFL’s weekly Honour Roll powered by Pro Football Focus on four occasions.
In his first full season as starting left tackle, Jarell Broxton earned a team nomination for CFL Most Outstanding Lineman.
