Lions introduce Tedford as new head coach

Dec 20, 2014 - 12:42 AM Vancouver, BC (SportsNetwork.com) - The British Columbia Lions formally introduced Jeff Tedford as head coach on Friday.

Tedford takes over for Mike Benevides, who was let go on Nov. 20 despite compiling a 33-21 record over the last three seasons.

"Jeff has competed on football's biggest stages and achieved great success," said Lions VP of football operations and general manager Wally Buono. "It speaks volumes about our organization and our league that a coach of Jeff's stature and appeal has chosen the Lions as his next great challenge."

The 53-year-old Tedford last prowled the sidelines for the University of California, compiling a 50-45 record over 11 seasons from 2002-12. He led the Golden Bears to eight bowl berths and five bowl wins in that span.

A Fresno State product who played in the CFL from 1983-1988 as a quarterback with Hamilton, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Tedford is reunited with Buono whom he worked with and under in Calgary as an offensive assistant from 1989 to 1991.

"We've always loved Vancouver, my wife and I. This is a quality of life that is important to us. My wife is Canadian, my kids were born here," Tedford said. "Joining the Lions today is the beginning of a new chapter and I look forward to the challenge of bringing a championship to BC."