The B.C. Lions announced on Monday that defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips will take on the role as an assistant head coach while retaining the entire coaching staff.
They include co-general manager/head coach Rick Campbell, defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Ryan Phillips, offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic, special teams coordinator Mike Benevides, defensive line coach John Bowman, linebackers coach Travis Brown, assistant defensive backs coach Tanya Henderson, receivers coach Jason Tucker, offensive line coach Kelly Bates, running backs coach Trysten Dyce and special teams assistant/video coordinator Derek Oswalt.
Ryan Phillips will enter his fifth season as the Lions’ defense coordinator and first as an assistant coach. In four seasons, Phillips became the first defensive coordinator to guide the Lions to two shutouts in the same season since the 1970 Calgary Stampeders. The Lions’ defense had a stretch of 12 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown during their early-season dominance.
“We are thrilled to retain our coaching staff. It’s a big step in our process of getting ready for 2024, “said head coach Rick Campbell. “This is a group of great teachers and quality people. The continuity allows us to evolve and grow as a team and to be prepared for the exciting season ahead.”
Before becoming a coach, Ryan Phillips played 13 seasons in the CFL, 12 of them with the B.C. Lions and finished his career with the Montreal Alouettes in 2017. Phillips made 499 tackles, 29 tackles of special teams, five sacks, 47 interceptions for 816 yards, five touchdowns, 12 pass breakups, nine fumble recoveries for 58 yards, and one touchdown in 212 games.
Phillips was a four-time CFL All-Star (2007, 2010, 2012-12), a five-time CFL West All-Star (2007, 2010, 2012-13, 2015), and a two-time Grey Cup champion.
The B.C. Lions have finished 12-6 in their last two seasons coming in second twice behind the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and beating the Calgary Stampeders twice in the Western Semi-Final. Next season, the 111th Grey Cup will be held at B.C. Place Stadium.
