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.
