CFL NOTEBOOK
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions signed head coach/GM Wally Buono to a contract extension to 2018 on Wednesday.
Buono, who gave up coaching duties following B.C.’s Grey Cup win in 2011, will return to the club’s sidelines this season.
“My sincere thanks go out to David (owner David Braley) and Dennis (CEO Dennis Skulsky) for the confidence they have shown with this extension,” said Buono. “We have a big job ahead of us, but with the coaches, football operations staff and players we are assembling I believe we will put a product on the field that our fans will want to support.”
Buono is the CFL’s all-time leader in coaching wins with 254 (101 with B.C.) and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014. He joined the Lions in 2003 and has led the franchise to nine playoff appearances, six Western final berths, an Eastern final berth, three Grey Cup appearances and two victories (2006, 2011).
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TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts signed veteran American defensive lineman Justin Hickman on Wednesday.
The six-foot-two, 265-pound Hickman spent five seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2009-’11, 2014-’15) and also played two years with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts (2012-’13).
“Justin is a great addition to our defensive line and locker room,” Argos GM Jim Barker said in a statement. “He’s a proven player in our League and continues to perform at a high level year after year.
“He is defensively sound with a knack for getting to the quarterback.”
Hickman registered 181 tackles, 36 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 79 games with Hamilton. He was a CFL all-star in 2011.
Toronto also signed American linebacker Jean Fanor.
(The Canadian Press)
Hickman and Foley are a very experienced players that should have a decent year in the twilight of their fine careers and help Andre Monroe move forward as a future CFL star.
Great show tonight Rod!! I usually hate Wednesdays or any day you bring on that windbag Blair, but you kept him from coming on and made the show listenable. Keep up the good work and find someone else to start reading your afternoon news.
Mr. Wally second to the great "Sk. Football God Mr. Kent Austin". They do it all, play the game, win Grey Cups, run entire team organizations to success. Saskatchewan only now trying to emulate thier proven professional sports operations model, good luck to them.
Sincerly,
Truly amazing!
Kent Austin hasn't won a Grey Cup since 2007
That team was built 99% by Roy Shivers and Danny Barrett. So really
That team was handed to him.
Until Kent wins a Grey Cup in Hamilton he's just 1 of 9 head coaches in the league.
Nothing special in an Eastern Division who's new 2 year old team beat Austin out of the playoffs.
Thanks indeed Rod
Marshall
Kent Austin hasn't won a Grey Cup since 2007
That team was built 99% by Roy Shivers and Danny Barrett.
So really… That team was handed to him.
Until Kent wins a Grey Cup in Hamilton he's just 1 of 9 head coaches in the league.
Nothing special in an Eastern Division who's new 2 year old team beat Austin out of the playoffs in 2015
Don't forget, Shivers and Barrett handed Austin a team that they couldn't break .500 with, and Austin won a Grey Cup with that team the next season.
If Collaros doesn't blow out his knee last fall, the Grey Cup is in Hamilton right now and not in Edmonton.
At most there is one Head Coach in the CFL right now who is better than Austin. Thankfully he is on the Rider's sideline next year 😀
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Guys guys guys, please refer to "Mr. Kent Austin" as The Sk. Football God" at all times. Have some manners and respect.
Kent Austin doesn't hold anything compared to Buono, Huff, or Matthews get real. Also Jones is a good coach but you do realize he has only won one grey cup as a head coach. He could be a great of the Cfl but he will be in the US football leagues in the next 2 to 3 years