VANCOUVER – Buck Pierce Returns to BC Lions as Head Coach

In a thrilling development for BC Lions fans, the team has announced that Buck Pierce, a former quarterback and a proud product of Vancouver, will be stepping into the role of head coach. This marks an exciting return for Pierce, who began his Canadian Football League (CFL) journey with the Lions back in 2005.

The Lions made the decision official on Tuesday as they welcomed Pierce as the 28th head coach in the franchise's history. His hiring comes in the wake of the team's lackluster performance last season, where they ended with a 9-9 record and a disappointing exit in the West Division semifinal during a year that Vancouver had the honor of hosting the Grey Cup.

Ryan Rigmaiden, the current general manager of the Lions, expressed his confidence in Pierce's capabilities. "Buck was a candidate we identified early in this process as someone who is ready to step in and lead our franchise. His track record in the Canadian Football League as both a player and a coach speaks volumes," he stated.

A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday morning, where fans will get their first look at the new head coach and what he envisions for the Lions in the upcoming season.

Pierce rejoins the Lions after an impressive nine-year stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he served as offensive coordinator since 2020. His leadership was pivotal in helping the Bombers clinch Grey Cup victories in 2019 and 2021. Under Pierce's guidance, Miami’s top quarterback, Zach Collaros, flourished and earned accolades as a CFL All-Star and the league's Most Outstanding Player in both 2021 and 2022.

At 43, Pierce is eager to take charge of the team and reignite the Lions’ competitive spirit. The former quarterback continues to hold a significant place in the franchise's history, ranking tenth all-time with 8,964 passing yards and eighth in completions with 713.

Reflecting on his new role, Pierce expressed his excitement: “I’m extremely excited and honored to take this next step in my coaching career with the organization that originally brought me here nearly 20 years ago. The building blocks are in place here, and we look forward to getting to work as we strive to bring the Grey Cup back to British Columbia.”

As fans gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating season, all eyes will be on Pierce to see if he can elevate the Lions back to championship glory. Will his leadership and experience on and off the field be the magic formula to secure the coveted Grey Cup for Vancouver? Only time will tell!