It might have seem like it took a long time and it may have, but David Braley, owner of the BC Lions announced that he has hired  Rick LeLacheur to take on the position as the clubs 30th President.

The move seemed necessary as they have missed the playoffs for the first time in 21 years and it seemed imperative that changes were needed to once again be a successful CFL club.

He (LeLacheur) was currently the chairman of the board of Horse Racing Alberta and has the much needed CFL experience, once serving as President and CEO of the Eskimos from 2002 to 2011.

With him at the helm the Esk’s won championships in 2003 and 2005, hosted two successful Grey Cup Festivals in 2002 and 2010 and gotten the City of Edmonton back on track.

LeLacheur mentioned to the media “I am honoured and excited to be part of this historic and respected organization as the BC Lions have been an integral part of the Canadian sports landscape for more than six decades and there are tremendous opportunities for it to experience unprecedented growth. I know the passion David has for this team and this community and I’m grateful for the confidence and trust he has placed in me. I can’t wait to get started.”

In addition he will take over from Dennis Skulsky, who took over from Bob Ackles in 2008 in addition to naming Ed Hervey as the Clubs new GM.

They both understand what it takes to win as Hervey was a player and scout in Edmonton when LeLacheur was with Edmonton as well.

These are back room moves, but it will be interesting to see what the on-field moves bring to the club in the off-season.

We wish them both all the best moving forward in their new roles with the BC Lions.