Big Expectations…Big Shoes To Fill
The CFL draft is a thing of the past and CFL training camps are just around the corner. It certainly has been a fluid offseason in the CFL with numerous quarterbacks changing addresses.
The B.C. Lions are one of only a few that have avoided the QB shuffle but they have not been immune to change this offseason.
Wally Buono made his long-awaited move away from the sidelines and Mike Benevides finally took over a job that was rumoured to be his since 2008 when he turned down the Toronto Argonauts head coaching job in favor of the potential of one day becoming the Lions top dog!
So what can we expect from the Lions’ new coach?
5. A strong relationship with BC’s new General Manager Wally Buono
The winningest coach in CFL history. Benevides is known as “Little Wally” and shares the same philosophies as his mentor Mr. Buono.
If you are going to have a mentor, it may as well be a CFL legend!
4. A strong relationship with the current roster players on the defending CFL Champs
Benevides has been with the Lions since 2003 – the same length of time that Buono has been with the club. He knows the tradition; he knows the expectation and most of all he is a Lion at heart.
3. His understanding of all aspects of the game
Benevides has worked with the Lions defense for years, acted as a Special Teams Coordinator.
Benevides has been with the Lions since 2003
The only aspect of Benevides’s résumé that is lacking on offense and with the talent that the Lions have surrounded him with on that side of the ball, there should be no issues.
2. His desire to be in Vancouver
Benevides had his chance to become a Head Coach in this league but passed it up in Toronto for the potential to become BC’s boss. Benevides wanted this job and there is no way that he is going to screw it up.
1. Defense!
Under Benevides, the Lions have consistently fielded a Top defensive unit. Since 2008, no CFL team has recorded more sacks (211), or forced more turnovers (203) than the Lions.
Last year proved that even when the offense is struggling, the defense can pull up the slack and make a winner out of any given team.
The Lions allowed a league low 21.4 points per game last year. That held them in the Western Conference race and eventually catapulted them to the top of the standings.
The Lions certainly appear to be in good hands with Mike Benevides.
Now it is time for the amazing talent around him to make him look good!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR B.C. LIONS BLOG IN THE NWSB LIONS CLUBHOUSE!
About Dave B
