In a new feature here at BCLionsDen.ca, we’re going to try and help keep you up to date on recent happenings from the Lions Den and around the CFL. We’ll gather the top news items of the week and compile them here for your convenience. So let’s get started!

News Items

Simpson off to Riderville

Former BC Lion linebacker Barrin Simpson signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday. The signing had been rumoured for about a week, but was made official. The Lions had been kicking the tires on Simpson, who I know was very interested in a return to BC. However, on his Fifth Quarter blog, Lowell Ullrich reports that after considering bringing the nine year veteran back to where he began his career, Wally Buono perhaps decided that the risk to the chemistry of the locker room would be one too great to take.

“Nobody would ever come out and say so for public consumption, but the clear message was that the Lions feel that Simpson would be some kind of distraction in the locker room. Chemistry is a big thing with Buono, and you can debate if you choose whether that has always been the case.”

The Lions do need linebackers, but with the trade to acquire the younger Dennis Haley from Hamilton earlier this month it appears they will look to free agent camps and possibly the draft to add more depth behind Haley and Anton McKenzie.

Robertson Runs With The Lions

Free agent running back Jamal Robertson signed with the Lions this week. The 33 year old former back of the Toronto Argonauts will had some veteran depth to the lineup that currently features young prospects Jamal Lee and Andrew Harris. Both are promising backs, and both have Canadian passports. Robertson is a hard runner, similar in style to the departed Martell Mallett, but he’s also capable catching the ball out of the backfield. From the sounds of things, new offensive coordinator Jacques Chapdelaine will be designing an offense that is pass heavy, so adding Robertson would compliment that style. The Lions also feel that they let Mallett get worn out last season, and there is a good chance the team will rotate backs a lot more this season in an attempt to keep guys fresh, give teams different looks and build some experience for Lee and Harris.

Competition For Logan?

On the way out there front, there has been speculation from fans that former Lion Stefan Logan could be in trouble in Pittsburgh with the return of Antwaan Randle-El this week to the steel city. If he were to return to the CFL however, he would be a free agent, and it remains to be seen if the Lions would throw their hat in the bidding war his return would create. Before that happens however, Logan will have to be cut, and would likely get looks from other NFL teams before ever considering a return to the CFL. Randle-El hasn’t been very productive of late and Logan set a new Steeler kick return record last year. I’m banking on the little man.

Stubler’s Return

One of the best signings the Lions have made this off-season was the one of new defensive line coach Rich Stubler. To say the man is over qualified for that job would be an understatement. Stubler has a long history in the league and will bring a wealth of experience to the table. There is also talk the move my be a part of a plan for if and and when Wally Buono decides to move upstairs and assume the GM role full time. The idea being that Mike Benevides is being groomed for the head job, while Stubler would take over the defensive coordinator role. For now Stubler, who lives in the Pacific Northwest is thrilled to be back in the league and back with the Lions.

Wanna Go Camping?

The Lions posted details of the first week of their 201o training camp on BCLions.com this week. The first week’s preliminary schedule has been posted, and as in past years the Lions will practice twice a day, once on the morning and once in the afternoon. The will be located at Hillside Stadium adjacent to campus of Thompson Rivers University.

Hillside Stadium, City of Kamloops by sportexe, on Flickr

Lions rookie camp will go June 2nd to the 5th, and the first day of the main camp will be the 6th. The Lions will remain in Kamloops until the 12th, when the travel to Regina to play the Riders on the 13th. They will return to Kamloops on the 14th for more sessions, before heading to Vancouver to take on the Edmonton Eskimos on June 20th at their temporary home, Empire Fields. The club opens the 2010CFL season on July 4th in Edmonton.

Tweet @Coach_Brillo (Wally Buono)

Join Head Coach and GM Wally Buono on Twitter on Monday, March 29th between 11:00am and 12:00pm for a question and answer session. The coach who goes by the name @Coach_Brillo on Twitter, will answer as many questions from Twitter fans within the hour. Coach Buono will fresh off the clubs Los Angeles free agent camp which goes this weekend.

It’s a nice move by the team to take advantage of a great social media tool. Hopefully they can maybe do more with Twitter in the future and do similar Q & A’s with Geroy Simon (@geroysimon), Dante Marsh (@dantemarsh) Emmanuel Arceneaux (@84mannie) and others that use the service.

Check it out, and if you’re on Twitter, make sure you follow us, @BCLionsDen!

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The BC Lions announced the completion of their coaching staff Sunday afternoon, and the addition is a significant one. Rich Stubler, former defensive coordinator and head coach of the Toronto Argonauts will coach the Lions defensive line on 2010.

“Rich brings a significant coaching resume to his position with us and I believe he will be a strong asset to our club,” said Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono.

Stubler won a Grey Cup with Lions in 2000, when he was the club’s defensive coordinator. He has been noted for his creativity when it comes to defence, and he’ll bring a ton of experience to the defensive line that has led the CFL in sacks for the last two seasons. Under his direction the Argos defence were amongst the lead leaders during his time there between 2003 to 2007.

“We looked at a number of candidates to fill the role of defensive line coach and the name we kept coming back to was Rich’s,” said Lions defensive coordinator, Mike Benevides. “He is the right man coming in at the right time. His work around the league speaks for itself and the overall similarity in our defensive philosophies is something that will be of tremendous benefit to our club.”

Stubler takes over from Mike Roach, who decided not to return to the position. The defensive line coach position is a part time one with the Lions. Other considered for the job included former Lions Mike Gray and James ‘Quick’ Parker.

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The BC Lions have named Jacques Chapdelaine the team’s offensive coordinator Monday. It’s more or less just a title switch, as for the last two seasons Chapdelaine has called the plays during the game, despite his title as receivers coach. Chapdelaine will also take over responsibility for the quarterbacks.

Dan Dorazio, drops the O.C. title and concentrates on the offensive line once again. Former CFL star Travis Moore has been added to the coaching staff as receiver’s coach and Barron Miles jumps from the field to the sidelines to help coach the defensive backs along with the returning Mark Washington. Mike Benevides will retain his defensive coordinator role, and Chuck McMann will continue to coach special teams.

It will be Chapdelaine’s second stint as the Lions offensive coordinator. He last held the position during the Grey Cup year of 2006, before spending a year in Edmonton where he was let go after just one season. He returned to the Lions in 2008 as “receiver’s coach” but had a much larger role.

With today’s announcement also came word that the Lions will likely add a couple of more coaches before training camp starts in June.

“We’re looking to fill a couple of spots on the defensive side of the ball and we have a number of candidates in mind,” said Buono. “One will be as a defensive line coach and the other will serve as a defensive assistant as well helping out our player personnel department.”

On the hiring of Moore, who spent last season as a running back’s coach in Hamilton, Buono sounded pleased.

“We are fortunate to add Travis to our staff at this time,” said Buono. “He was very highly respected during his stay in Hamilton and he will bring a new perspective to our offense.”

Moore has the plying credentials for sure, and is no stranger to Buono, who he played for ikn Calgary. He played 11 seasons as a receiver racking up  645 receptions, 9,930 yards and 79 touchdowns with the Calgary Stampeders (1994, 1996-2002) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2003-05). He sits 14th on the CFL’s all-time receiving yards list. and captured two Grey Cup championships with the Stampeders in 2001 and 1998.

A few more details have come to light on the release of Javier Glatt and Jason Jimenez since our first post on the news. Wally Buono was on the TEAM 1040 Friday, shedding some light on the moves.

In the case of Jimenez, it appears the decision was based on more than the 2008 CFL All-Stars play on the field. Buono told the Team’s David Pratt that Jimenez was unwilling to play the way the coaches wanted him to play.

“Everybody can rub somebody the wrong way at different times.  For us, the big reason was that we wanted to have a guy that was more physical, more the kind of guy that we believe he can be, and at the end of the day we just didn’t feel like we could reach Jason. Jason didn’t give us the impression that he was willing to change some of the things that he was doing from a physical standpoint and from a personality standpoint. He probably will go someplace else and hopefully take what we said to heart and be a better player for it.”

On Glatt, Buono said it was the fair thing to do for the player, and hinted that if Glatt was unable to find a starting role elsewhere, he hoped that the door was open for him to return to the Lions in some capacity. Glatt had asked for his release if he wasn’t going to be a starter.

“Javy felt that if he wasn’t going to be a starter in this organization, that we could get that process (releasing Javy) so he can get an opportunity someplace else. We feel we have to improve the athleticism and the production at the linebacker position and that wasn’t going to be a starting opportunity for Javy, so the best way for us to satisfy his needs was to let him free so he can be on the market.”

Glatt took the loss of his starting role in stride last season and saw a fair bit of rotation behind Jojuan Armour. He was a team player and didn’t rock the boat, so granting him his release was the fair thing to do for him after seven years of service.

Glatt issued a statement posted on BCLions.com thanking the organization and the fans.

“I would like to thank the BC Lions Football Club and its fans for the amazing opportunity to live out a dream for the past seven years. I have met so many incredible people along the way and have built relationships that will last a lifetime, and for that I am truly grateful,” Glatt said.

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Once again from the informative blog of Lowell Ulrich comes word that running back Martell Mallett has been working out for NFL teams. First for the Philadelphia Eagles, and now comes word that the St.Louis Rams also put the CFL Rookie of the Year through his paces.

How can this be you ask? Isn’t Mallett under contract? Why yes he is, but as Ullrich reports, Wally Buono is affording him the courtesy:

“Mallett signed a reported minimum two-year deal upon joining the Lions last spring that would not have given him option-year rights until after the upcoming season. It’s believed he has been given a chance for a look-see because of contract protocol that allowed Stefan Logan and Cam Wake their chance to test the market.

“There are a lot of ways to get a player to agree to a contract. Sometimes you have to satisfy your needs. Sometimes you have to satisfy their needs. Sometimes you have to blend both needs,” said Buono, who would not elaborate.”

Not a bad policy to have to get players to sign in BC, but it sure sucks when they have a chance to leave so quickly and fans are getting to know and enjoy watching the player, but such is the way for CFL clubs. As Ullrich reports, the window for Mallett to sign a deal is a lot smaller than that of a free agent, so Lions fans can hope it closes without an offer, but for the man himself, we of course wish him the best of luck.

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Word from the blog of Province football writer Lowell Ullrich today that defensive line coach Mike Roach will not be returning to the Lions in 2010. The departure leaves the Lions with two holes to fill on their coaching staff, after QB coach Steff Kruck was told he would not be offered a new contract

Roach, who has 26 years of CFL coaching experience, informed Buono of his decision at a meeting the two had at Grey Cup in Calgary.

One name tossed about by Buono as a possible replacement is Jim Daley, who recently stepped down as defensive coordinator in Edmonton.

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With the 2009 season freshly in the books and the Christmas season upon us, I thought it was time for a wish list for our BC Lions.

2009 was a struggle for BC. There were the injuries to deal with and some real instability at the quarterback position. There was a high turnover of players and lost leadership as Wally Buono attempted to make the team younger and faster. In some areas that was successful, in others not so much. But for the second consecutive year the Lions had some of the same issues arising that hampered their game. Stalled offensive drives, troubles stopping the run and the inability to shut teams down late in games were familiar and frustrating problems. Three times this year the team as blown out at home to the point where fans were leaving on droves early in the third quarter.

So, here’s my wish list for the team and by no means do I expect all of this to happen. These are my personal wishes from a fans point of view after sitting in the stands game after game and watching this team for the last couple of seasons.  See if you agree or disagree and feel free to add your own wishes by commenting!

A New Coaching Direction:

It’s pretty much understood that Wally Buono is going to coach the BC Lions as long as he wants to, at least according to owner David Braley. I think Wally is still a very capable coach, but in too many games this year the Lions seemed unable to make the right adjustments during a game to change the momentum. To me that falls on your assistant coaches. I’d like to see changes in the coaching staff, and here are my wishes.

Out:

Jacques Chapdelaine: His official title is receiver’s coach, but it’s no secret he plays a bigger role. The word is that he and “offensive coordinator” Dan Dorazio come up with the game plan for the week and Chapdelaine calls the plays during the game. The Lions offense has sputtered the last two seasons, and while instability at the QB position has definitely been factor, there have been too many stalled drives and questionable play calls. And don’t get us started on third and short. Some of the players love him and asked for his return, but it’s time for a new direction and someone with some fresh ideas. I respect Jacques Chapdelaine, and the man certainly knows way more about the game than I ever will, but it’s not working. That said, Buono seems very comfortable with him, and Chapdelaine escapes the axe year after year, leaving little chance he won’t be back next season.

In:

Dave Dickenson: Perhaps a bit premature but I think it would be a pretty bold move and one that could pay off huge. Dickenson was a  great QB who understands the CFL game and while he may not have the experience as a coach his knowledge of the game and his already clear desire to get into coaching make him an intriguing option. Dickenson was a running backs coach last season in Calgary and has had inout on their offense under coordinator George Cortez. Some will feel the offense he knows is that of the Hufnagel/Chapdelaine mold and bringing him in wouldn’t be much of a change but I think Dickenson has a lot to offer, and could add some excitement back to the Lions offense. It may be far fetched, and unfortunately I think Buono may be too loyal to Chapdelaine to make a move, but Dickenson will assume a coaching role as a coordinator or head coach one day, and whatever team gives him that shot will look like a genius. The Lions have already decided not to renew contract of quarterbacks coach Steff Kruck and apparently Dickenson has been offered that job by Wally. I would also allow Dan Dorazio to concentrate on the offensive line again, freeing him from any offensive game planning, but of course welcoming his input.

Out:

Mike Benevides: Since Dave Ritchie retired, the BC Lions defense has lost it’s bite. Benevides assumed the role two seasons ago and the results haven’t been stellar. The defensive line led the league in sacks, but the Lions had huge problems with the run, and couldn’t get stops late in games on too many occasions that cost them points. Getting embarrassed at home in three games was disheartening as well. Whether it be personnel or the scheme, the linebacker play last season was brutal at times and the scheme was the design of Benevides. Korey Banks added some nice options at the  nickle position, but teams knew to beat the Lions, running the ball was a good start, and the Lions could do nothing to stop it on too many nights. When they did, it was the secondary’s turn to give up big yardage late in games to blow leads.

In:

Rich Stubler: Formerly the Argonauts defensive coordinator and head coach, Rich Stubler is known for his aggressive in your face defenses and under his coaching the Argonauts defense was at the top of the league regularly. He could bring that aggressive style back to the Lions and is available after sitting out last season. Perhaps the Eskimos will beat the Lions to the punch, with the recent resignation of Jim Daley from their ranks. I think Benevides will survive because he was loyal to Buono last season, turning down the head coaching spot in Toronto to remain in BC, and Buono will probably give him another year hopefully at least with the understanding that some things have to change.

Some Shivers Gems

It would be nice to see scout Roy Shivers undercover some gems as he did for the Riders a few years back. Linebackers will be at the top of the wish list I would think and preferably some nasty ones. The Lions lost some leadership and some attitude when Otis Floyd left and would probably like to have the Jamal Johnson negotiation from last year as a do over. They need to get some of that attitude back in the middle. Some of it returned with the arrival of Jojuan Armour and Anton McKenzie was voted an all-star, but this position needs to be addressed.

More depth brought in to challenge the offensive line would be nice, preferably at guard and tackle positions and a new centre needs to start being groomed, with Angus Reid coming off a serious ankle injury and not getting any younger.

Emmanuel Arceneaux was a nice addition, but another sure handed speedy receiver would be nice. Or how about or a big and bulldozer type in the mold of an Andy Fantuz or former Lion Jason Clermont?

The Emergence Of Youth

The key to remaining a competitive team in the CFL is keeping your team well stocked with talented young players who eventually take over a key role on your football tream. Sean Whyte, Jamal Lee, James Yurichuk, Justin Sorensen and Andrew Harris are promising young prospects for the Lions, and it would be nice to see them emerge next season as prime time players. Yurichuk was great on special teams, Sorensen was forced into duty late in the season, and Jamal Lee will have a full training camp under his belt. Andrew Harris has been a territorial project for the Lions and has a ton of talent. Whyte had the job of kicker/punter in his graps before making way for Paul McCallum late in the year. The Lions need some if not all of these picks to rise to the top and help take this team to a higher level.

Stability At Quarterback

Casey Printers certainly gave fans of the Lions something to look forward to by his play to end the year. Now the key will be getting to the start of next season with a full camp under his belt, and then keeping him healthy. Going through five QB’s would be tough for any club and for once Santa, it would be nice to have the same QB start every game next year like  Edmonton, Saskatchewan and Calgary. Please see what you can do about that.

Best Wishes for Buck Pierce

I really feel for Buck Pierce. I don’t know what the Lions have planned for him, but at his current salary and the almost certainty that Casey Printers is the starter going into camp, it’s hard to see Pierce returning next season. The Lions still have Jarious Jackson, Travis Lulay and Zac Champion under contract and it’s no secret they like what they see in Lulay. Whatever Buck’s fate may be, I wish him all the best. He’s always been great with the fans, and given it all on the field for the BC Lions.

Home Sweet Home

With the Lions moving to a temporary stadium next season, most likely at the old site of Empire stadium, lets hope the club can make Lions home games a tough environment for opponents once again. Three debacles at home last year and two before labor day hurt the Lions in the standings, and probably at the gate too.

Ok, I should stop before I get too greedy. Oh, okay one more thing…let’s get that Grey Cup!

CKNW Sports Director Jim Mullin checks in with some audio from his Monday morning conversation with BC Lions head coach Wally Buono, following yesterday’s big 24-21 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Travis Lulay had a strong game for the Lions, along with running back AJ Harris and the Lions defense. The win has left the Lions just one point back of the first place Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Listen >> CKNW’s Jim Mullin Speaks with Wally Buono

Radio station CKNW is reporting that quarterback Jarious Jackson could be done for the season with what is speculated to be a torn rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder.

The Lions have neither confirmed or denied the report, saying only that Jackson had underwent an MRI Thursday. Jackson has missed the last two days of practice and Buck Pierce will get the start Saturday against Toronto.

Pierce’s injury woes are well known and he’s coming off a break after suffering his second concussion of the year before the bye week.

Jackson’s injury means Zac Champion will likely be added to the active roster, and speculation will now begin if a phone call could be made to former Lion Casey Printers, who has yet to find a new home after being released by the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Buono has never ruled out bringing Printers back to the club where he had his most success, winning the leagues most outstanding player award in 2004.

Do you believe in Karma? Well, I am sure that fans of the Montreal Alouettes do today, after their club snatched a victory from the BC Lions in the final minute by a score of 28-24 in front of the 91^st straight sellout at Molson Pervical Stadium in Montreal.

Last weekend a league error robbed the Als of a touchdown that would have potentially tied the game, but this week there would be no question, as Avon Cobourne crossed the goal line with 50 seconds left on the clock to put the Alouettes ahead to stay.

The game was the story of two halves, with the defenses on both teams dictating the tempo in the first half, and the offenses taking over in the second to make for an exciting game that went down to the wire for the second straight week.

The Lions started off well, with an interception by corner Dante Marsh on the Als first drive, but the offense couldn’t take advantage of the play, and the teams traded punts for the first quarter, and Lions kicker Sean Whyte hit the upright on a 27 yard field goal. The two teams entered the 2^nd quarter scoreless.

The Alouettes opened the scoring at 8:53 of the second quarter after a 5 play 72 yard dive culminated in an Anthony Calvillo completion to Jamal Richardson in the end zone to give the Als a 7-0 lead, the teams would three field goals, two by the Als that would see the score 13-3 Montreal at the half.

In the second half the Lions started things off with a bang and a turnover, sacking Anthony Calvillo and setting up great field position for the Lions. The Lions would strike on the next play with Jackson hitting former Alouette O’Neill Wilson in the end zone to make it a three-point game.

The Lions got closer when Larry Taylor bobbled a punt that was recovered by Jason Three plays later, Grice-Mullen scored on a one-yard reverse at 3:37 of the fourth.

Then on their very next possession, the Jarious Jackson hit Geroy Simon on a 43 yard catch and run, and the Lions has a 24-20 lead late in the fourth. The Als got what would be an important single off a Duval punt, and then facing a second and long on their own 29 yard line, Calvillo found a wide open Kerry Watkins on a 56 yard strike that would set the stage for the Als to complete the last minute comeback.

Wally Buono agreed, that was the key play of the game. ““I thought the big thing was making that key play on second down,” said B.C. coach Wally Buono. “I think if we could have stopped them there, the game would have been ours.” said Buono, who missed a chance to set the all-time CFL coaching record in his home town in front of friends and family.

Mark Trestman wasn’t so sure how much last weeks result helped his club.

“This game had nothing to do with vindication or getting our just desserts,” said Trestman. “This was a team that got off the plane and worked very hard this week.

“They played hard and we played hard and we were fortunate enough to win.”

Extra Yards:

• The loss denied Buono a chance to become the most successful coach in CFL history. He remains tied with Don Matthews at 231 career victories.
• The Als held Martell Mallet, who had a team-record 213 rushing yards last week to 66 yards on 14 carries.
• Jarious Jackson completed 16 passes for 228 yards, including 128 yards on seven catches by Geroy Simon.
• The Lions wore their retor uniforms for the the second time this season, both times on the road. It sure would be nice if the hometown fans got a glimpse of them at BC Place.