Return to B.C. a ‘full-circle’ moment for new Lions’ head coach Buck Pierce

Buck Pierce Returns to B.C. Lions as Head Coach

Buck Pierce, a quarterback from Crescent City, Calif., has come full circle in his CFL career as he was recently named the head coach of the B.C. Lions. It has been about 20 years since Pierce first joined the Lions, signing with the team after attending a free agent camp in Portland, Ore., with his father. Reflecting on this journey, Pierce expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the team where his CFL career began.

The decision to appoint Pierce as the head coach came after the Lions parted ways with Rick Campbell, who held the position of head coach and co-general manager. The team finished the 2024 regular season with a 9-9 record and suffered a loss in the West Division semifinal. Ryan Rigmaiden, the newly appointed GM of the Lions, mentioned that the selection process for a new coach was exhaustive, with eight candidates being considered. Ultimately, Pierce stood out for his leadership skills, accountability, and the ability to instill mental and physical toughness in the team.

Pierce, who previously played for the Lions from 2005 to 2009, winning a Grey Cup in 2006, expressed his emotions as he returned to the team that holds a special place in his heart. Following his time with the Lions, Pierce played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before transitioning into coaching. He spent the last decade on the Bombers’ sidelines, serving as the offensive coordinator and helping the team secure Grey Cup victories in 2019 and 2021.

With Pierce at the helm, the Lions aim to establish a culture of toughness, grit, integrity, and accountability within the organization. Pierce emphasized the importance of setting high standards early on and holding both the coaching staff and players to those standards. As a former quarterback, Pierce brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, which is expected to benefit the team’s offense significantly.

Looking ahead, Pierce is focused on building relationships with his players and finalizing his coaching staff. While some players are already committed for the upcoming season, negotiations with others, such as Justin McInnis, are ongoing. As a first-time head coach, Pierce anticipates facing challenges but is prepared to tackle them head-on with determination and resilience.

As the Lions embark on a new chapter under Pierce’s leadership, there is a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the team. With his proven track record and passion for the game, Pierce is poised to lead the Lions to success in the seasons to come.