WASHINGTON NAMED LIONS DC

(Vancouver) The BC Lions Football Club is pleased to announce that Mark Washington has been named the club’s defensive coordinator.

“Mark is one of our league’s best young coaches and I am very excited to have him accept the position of defensive coordinator,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “He’s a leader, a winner and he’s demonstrated that he is more than ready for this next step in his coaching career.” 

Originally joining the Lions’ secondary in 2003 as a free agent, Washington played five seasons for the Leos including the club’s 2006 championship season before joining the team’s coaching ranks in 2008. Since becoming the club’s secondary coach, Washington has presided over 14 West Division All-Stars and nine CFL All-Stars in seven seasons.  

Prior to his days in orange, Mark was a member of the Montreal Alouettes and spent six seasons with the Als beginning in 1997, culminating with a Grey Cup title in 2002.

Now entering his eighth year as a member of the Lions coaching staff, the Washington, DC native begins offseason preparations as the club’s new defensive coordinator.

“I am grateful for the opportunity Mike has given me and I look forward to the challenge of helping us win a championship,” said Washington. “We have a lot of talented players on this side of the ball and I expect great things from them in 2014.”