A new chapter began for the BC Lions as the club made two major announcements on Wednesday. The Lions dismissed Head Coach and Co-General Manager Rick Campbell, while promoting Ryan Rigmaiden to General Manager. Neil McEvoy, who had served as Co-GM for the past four years, is now the President of Football Operations.
“Rick Campbell played a key role in restoring respectability to our franchise, guiding us through some difficult times upon his arrival,” said President Duane Vienneau. “We’re grateful for his efforts and wish him all the best. We’re excited to have Neil and Ryan step into their new roles as we start preparing for 2025. Our goal remains unchanged: to be contenders for the Grey Cup every season.”
Rick Campbell took over as head coach of the BC Lions before the 2020 season, which was eventually canceled. The 2021 season saw the Lions finish with a 5-9 record and miss the playoffs, though this marked an improvement over their 5-13 performance in 2019. In 2022 and 2023, BC posted identical 12-6 records, but lost in the Western Final both years, first at home in 2022 and then on the road in Winnipeg in 2023.
The 2024 season ended with a 9-9 record, followed by a 19-28 loss to Saskatchewan in the Western Semi-Final. Expectations were high for the Lions in 2024, especially with the Grey Cup being hosted in BC. Owner Amar Doman supported the team by allowing them to exceed the salary cap, making big signings such as bringing back quarterback Nathan Rourke after Vernon Adams Jr.’s midseason injury and re-signing defensive end Mathieu Betts after his brief stint with the Detroit Lions.
“Our owner has given us all the resources to build this team, but I feel we didn’t perform at the level we’ve been capable of,” said President Duane Vienneau during Wednesday’s press conference. “Sometimes, a change is necessary to take that next step.”
Despite the disappointing season for Campbell, he’s already garnered interest from the Edmonton Elks, who have been granted permission to interview him, according to Farhan Lalji.
The Lions also revealed that they are exploring trade options for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who started for the team in 2024.
“We’ll begin making those calls tonight and gauge the market,” said General Manager Ryan Rigmaiden. “Vernon is an exceptional quarterback, and his leadership and personality speak for themselves. Any team in need of a quarterback will likely want to have a conversation with us.”
Adams had an impressive start to the 2024 season, throwing for 2,395 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions over his first seven games, which put him on pace for a career-high season. However, his performance faltered in his eighth game, where he suffered an injury in a loss to Winnipeg. Adams returned for the Lions’ final regular-season game against Montreal, completing 26 of 36 passes for 385 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. In the playoff loss to Saskatchewan, he threw for 317 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
Although Adams is a talented quarterback, BC may find it challenging to get significant value in a trade. 2024 was a year in which quarterback depth across the CFL was showcased, with players like Davis Alexander in Montreal and Nick Arbuckle winning Grey Cup MVP for Toronto. With numerous quarterbacks set to hit free agency, it may be difficult for BC to secure a trade partner willing to offer substantial compensation, especially given Adams’ hefty contract extension through 2026.
Ryan Rigmaiden, now the 17th General Manager in Lions history, previously served as Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel for the last three seasons. He first worked for the Lions from 2013 to 2017 before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as Director of College Scouting from 2018 to 2020. Prior to his CFL career, Rigmaiden worked in the Arena Football League with the Spokane Shock, starting in 2006 and rising to General Manager in 2010.
