B.C. Lions hire Buck Pierce as head coach

A former Blue Bombers coach is moving to the West Coast for a new role. 

For the past several seasons, Buck Pierce was the offensive coordinator for the Blue and Gold. Pierce now heads to B.C. as the head coach of the BC Lions. 

“Buck was a candidate we identified early in this process as someone who is ready to step in and lead our franchise,” said general manager Ryan Rigmaiden on cfl.ca. “His track record in the Canadian Football League as both a player and a coach says it all. We are excited and proud to bring him back to the BC Lions as our 28th head coach.”

Pierce says he’s excited to go where his CFL career started nearly 20 years ago. “I’m extremely excited and honoured to take this next step in my coaching career with the organization that originally brought me here nearly 20 years ago. My sincere thanks go out to Mr. Doman, Duane Vienneau, Neil McEvoy, Ryan Rigmaiden and the entire organization for instilling their belief that I can lead this great franchise. The building blocks are in place here and we look forward to getting to work as we strive to bring the Grey Cup back to British Columbia.”

For the last ten seasons, Pierce has served in various roles for the Bombers. First as the running backs coach in 2014-15, then as quarterbacks coach from 2016-19, and most recently as the offensive coordinator from 2021-24.

Pierce brings a wealth of experience out west including a pair of Grey Cup victories in 2019 and 2021 as well as five consecutive West Division championships in 2019, 2021-24. 

He has helped guide Zach Collaros to the CFL Most Outstanding Player award in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022. Brady Oliveira walked away with the Most Outstanding Canadian award in 2023 and 2024.

The blue and gold’s offense was near the top in several categories this past season including offensive touchdowns, points per game, net offence and rushing yards.

Pierce becomes the Lions’ 28th head coach in its 70-year history.