BC Lions fire head coach Campbell
The B.C. Lions have made some significant changes to their coaching staff and management team. Head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell has been let go by the team. In his place, Neil McEvoy has been named vice-president of football operations, and Ryan Rigmaiden has been promoted to general manager.
The decision to part ways with Campbell comes after a rollercoaster season for the Lions. The team started strong with a 5-1 record but then went on a five-game losing streak, ultimately finishing with a 9-9 record. Although they made the playoffs, the Lions were eliminated by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the western conference semifinal.
Campbell, who joined the Lions in December 2019 after a successful tenure with the Ottawa Redblacks, played a key role in bringing the team back to respectability and contention. Alongside McEvoy, he took on the role of co-general manager ahead of the 2021 season following the departure of former GM Ed Hervey.
Despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Campbell led the Lions to a 38-30 record in regular-season play and a 2-3 record in playoff appearances over his four seasons as head coach. Following the team’s playoff exit this year, Campbell acknowledged that every aspect of the club would be evaluated to make necessary improvements.
While Campbell expressed confidence in the team’s foundation, he also recognized the need for strategic decisions in player acquisitions and releases to enhance the team’s performance. Despite his optimism, Campbell’s tenure with the Lions came to an unexpected end.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Campbell has a rich football background. His father, Hugh Campbell, achieved great success as a coach with the Edmonton Eskimos, winning five straight Grey Cups in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rick Campbell followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his coaching career with various CFL teams before landing the head coaching role with the Redblacks in 2014.
As the Lions regroup and look towards the future, the changes in coaching and management signal a new direction for the team. The decision to part ways with Campbell reflects the organization’s commitment to achieving success on the field. With McEvoy stepping into a new role and Rigmaiden assuming the responsibilities of general manager, the Lions are poised for a fresh start in the upcoming season.
This article, based on a report by The Canadian Press, highlights the recent developments within the B.C. Lions organization. Stay tuned for more updates on the team’s progress and future plans.
