Advertisement

B.C. Lions fire head coach DeVone Claybrooks

B.C. Lions head coach DeVone Claybrooks stands on the field during a stoppage in play during second-half CFL football action against the Edmonton Eskimos in Vancouver on July 11, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The B.C. Lions have fired head coach DeVone Claybrooks after one season with the club.

The Lions finished their most recent season in last place in the West Division with a 5-13 record. The team started the season by winning just one of its first 11 games.

“This has been a challenging season,” Lions general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement. “We did not meet the expectations we set for ourselves in 2019 and, more importantly, we did not meet the expectations of our season ticket holders, fans and partners.”

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

There’s no immediate word on a replacement.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Hervey said the entire organization is feeling the pressure following a losing season.

“All the people in football operations –coaches, the general manager — we’re all on hot seats. Everyone’s seat is hot. The only guy in a cool seat is the guy who is holding the Grey Cup, but when he sits back down it’s still warm.”

Story continues below advertisement

The Lions hired Claybrooks last year to replace Wally Buono, who retired at the end of the 2018 season after 46 years in the CFL.

Prior to joining the Lions, Claybrooks was part of the Calgary Stampeders’ coaching staff for seven years.

— With files from the Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices