Mike Benevides Returns as Defensive Coordinator for B.C. Lions

Mike Benevides is making a return to the B.C. Lions as their defensive coordinator, a role he will take on within new head coach Buck Pierce’s staff, as announced by the team on Thursday. Benevides had spent the past two seasons serving as the special-teams coordinator for the Lions and replaces Ryan Phillips, who will now serve as the secondary coach and pass-game coordinator.

With this new position, Benevides approaches his 15th season with the organization, having previously been part of the B.C. Lions from 2003 to 2014 and again from 2023 onwards. He was the defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2012 and took on the role of head coach from 2012 to 2014. His coaching experience extends beyond the Lions, as he has also filled the defensive coordinator position with Ottawa and Edmonton, and he began his CFL coaching career with the Calgary Stampeders, where he gained diverse coaching experience.

Following Benevides’ transition, Corey McDiarmid will take over the special-teams coordinator role. McDiarmid previously held the same position with the Ottawa Redblacks. The Lions have also finalized their coaching staff with several key positions, including Kevin Bourgoin for receivers, Paul Charbonneau for the offensive line, Randy Melvin for the defensive line, Glen Young for linebackers, and Derek Oswalt in an assistant coaching role. Additionally, Pierce will take on the responsibilities of offensive coordinator, and a new running backs coach will be appointed in the future.