He’s baaaaaaack.
Jeff Tedford has resigned as head coach of the BC Lions, allowing a CFL legend to come out of coaching retirement. Wally Buono will return to coach the Lions next season.
Tedford’s return to the CFL didn’t go well this year. In his first season as Lions’ head coach, B.C. finished with a disappointing 7-11 record. They made the playoffs, but were never a threat to beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West semi-final, losing 35-9.
Tedford issued a statement indicating that the rumours of him heading back to college football were true:
“After much consideration, I have elected to exercise an option in my contract and will resign as head coach of the BC Lions in order to pursue other opportunities in college football. I want to thank Lions ownership, management, coaching staff and players and in particular Lions fans for the opportunity and privilege of serving as head coach this past year. The team displayed great fortitude in overcoming several obstacles this season and the future is very bright for these young Lions. I wish the Lions family the very best and long and continued success.”
Buono, who will turn 66-years-old before next season, retired from coaching after the Lions won the Grey Cup in 2011. He has remained with the club in the last four years as general manager.
“After consulting with David Braley and Dennis Skulsky, we believe the best course of action for the club at this time is for me to return as head coach,” said Buono.
If there’s anyone that can right the ship, it’s Wally Buono. Buono, a Hall-of-Famer, is the CFL’s all-time leader in coaching wins. He has an all-time record of 254-139-3 and has won five Grey Cups, including two with the Lions.
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