Coach Claybrooks fired after Lions go 5-13 in ’19
B.C. missed the CFL playoffs, finished last in West
VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions fired head coach DeVone Claybrooks on Wednesday, a few days after the team completed a disappointing 5-13 season with a 21-16 loss to Calgary.
The Lions missed the Canadian Football League playoffs and finished last in the West Division standings. There was no immediate word on a replacement.
“This has been a challenging season,” general manager Ed Hervey said in a news release. “We did not meet the expectations we set for ourselves in 2019 and more importantly, we did not meet the expectations of our season ticket-holders, fans and partners.
“We thank DeVone for his time and dedication while also wishing him the very best in the future.
“This decision was difficult, but we will continue to do everything possible to reach and exceed the standards we have committed to within our organization.”
The Lions struggled from the start of Claybrooks’ rookie season as coach, posting just one win in their first 11 games.
British Columbia didn’t beat a team from the West Division all season.
When the players cleaned out their lockers on Monday, Claybrooks said he was not concerned about his future.
“I just do my job and until someone tells me I don’t have one, I’ll keep doing it.” Claybrooks said.
“I’m not happy with the results, obviously, because it’s a results-based business.
“But I’m happy with the foundation that we’ve laid, to know that we trust and feel and believe that we’re going to get the results.”
The Lions hired Claybrooks last December, ending his seven-year run on Calgary’s coaching staff. He spent three seasons as the Stampeders’ defensive co-ordinator and went out on top as the team won the Grey Cup last fall.
Claybrooks replaced Wally Buono, who retired at the end of the 2018 season after 46 years in the CFL.
A 42-year-old native of Martinsville, Va., Claybrooks spent 11 years playing defensive tackle in the National Football League, CFL and in Europe.