The BC Lions promoted Ryan Phillips from cornerbacks coach to Defensive Coordinator on Friday. The 39-year-old from Seattle, Washington, spent twelve of thirteen seasons as a Lions player.
He played 214 games with 486 tackles, one special team tackle, five sacks, 47 interceptions, six touchdowns, and four forced fumbles. Phillips was a four-time CFL All-Star and won two Grey Cups in 2006 and 2011 with the Lions.
Ryan Phillips on becoming defensive coordinator said. “It has been a thrill to transition into coaching with the organization that gave me a chance to play the game I love professionally. We have some great pieces already in place, and I can’t wait to continue to help build a defense that will be good for a long time.”
In addition to Phillips, the Lions retained special teams coordinator Don Yanowsky, linebackers coach Travis Brown, offensive coordinator/QBs coach Jordan Maksymic, offensive line coach Kelly Bates, wide receivers coach Jason Tucker, and offensive assistant Trysten Dyce.
Co-GM and head coach Rick Campbell on promoting Phillips said. “Having the chance to get this number of great coaches back on our staff is significant and gives us the continuity we need in order to help get us to the next level. Given Ryan’s impact on the defensive backs and entire unit in general, his transition to defensive coordinator will be seamless.”
The BC Lions open the 2022 season on Saturday, June 11th, against the Edmonton Elks from BC Place.
