CFL Notebook: Regina’s Varga Dealt, RedBlacks Name Fields Def Coordinator
VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions shored up their offensive line Monday, acquiring veteran American tackle Dejon Allen from the Toronto Argonauts.
The six-foot-two, 300-pound Allen was the CFL’s outstanding lineman in 2023. Toronto received Canadian linebacker Ryder Varga and a 2026 second-round pick in the deal.
Allen, 30, spent the last four seasons with Toronto, helping the club win Grey Cups in 2022 and ’24. He has been a CFL all-star that last two seasons and appeared in 63 regular-season games with the Argos, seeing action at both tackle positions.
B.C. allowed a CFL-high 43 sacks this past season.
“In order for our team to take the next step, improving the offensive line was something that was a priority for us,” Lions GM Ryan Rigmaiden said in a statement. “Adding a talent like Dejon immediately improves our run and pass game while also adding grit and toughness to our identity.
“He’s a special player at a premier position and we’re proud to have him.”
OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks hired William Fields as their defensive co-ordinator and secondary coach Monday.
Fields served as co-defensive co-ordinator with Kevin Eiben last season with the Grey Cup-champion Toronto Argonauts.
The 46-year-old played a key role in securing CFLchampionships for the franchise in two of his three seasons with the team.
Fields was a defensive back with Calgary (2001-04) and Winnipeg (2005-06), winning his first Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2001.
He has also served as a CFL assistant coach with B.C. (2015), Montreal (2016), Hamilton (2017-18) and Edmonton (2019).
“I have known Will since 2005,” Ottawa head coach Bob Dyce said in a statement. “He was a student of the game as a player and has now earned a reputation as one of the top defensive coaches in our league, proving himself by helping to win two Grey Cups with Toronto.
“Having gone up against him over the years, we know the quality of coach and leader that he is, and are excited to add him to our staff.”
(CP)
