VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC Lions have fired head coach Mike Benevides following a loss to the Montreal Alouettes in the East Division semi-final. The team finished the season with a 9-9 record and struggled to cope with key injuries to quarterback Travis Lulay and running back Andrew Harris.

“Today, we made the very difficult decision to relieve Mike Benevides of his duties as head coach of the BC Lions,” said Wally Buono, GM and VP of Football Operations. “Our football team experienced a very tumultuous season. Still, we believe as an organization that the team we had assembled was capable of more than what we accomplished in the regular season and in the playoffs. In short, we under performed and failed to meet both our own expectations and the expectations of our fans.”

Benevides was the head coach for three seasons, but was never able to lead the team to a Grey Cup victory. In the regular season the Lions had a 33-21 record with Benevides at the helm. Buono says the head coach is often the one who has to shoulder the blame.

“Unfortunately, when things don’t go well, it is usually the first place things have to occur. Is it always fair? No. Are other people responsible? We are all responsible. I am responsible because my job is to make sure our football is winning and successful.”

Buono says it was very hard to someone he considers a friend.

“It was hard, but also hard because I know how much he cares. I know how much he sacrificed for the organization. When you relieve him of his responsibilities it is not only tough on him, but tough on his family. That is pain that you are bringing on not just an individual, but other people.”

The search for a new head coach begins. Buono says he doesn’t think there will be any other coaching changes.

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