BC Lions head coach Tedford resigns, Buono to take over in 2016

BC Lions head coach Jeff Tedford resigned Wednesday, the team announced. General manager Wally Buono will take over as coach for the 2016 season.

Tedford released a brief statement, thanking the organization for the opportunity.

After much consideration, I have elected to exercise an option in my contract and will resign as head coach of the BC Lions in order to pursue other opportunities in college football. I want to thank Lions ownership, management, coaching staff and players and in particular Lions fans for the opportunity and privilege of serving as head coach this past year. The team displayed great fortitude in overcoming several obstacles this season and the future is very bright for these young Lions. I wish the Lions family the very best and long and continued success.

The former Cal head coach guided the Lions to a playoff berth in his only season with BC, but managed just a 7-11 record.

Buono returns to the sidelines after coaching the Lions from 2003-2011. He is one of the most decorated coaches in CFL history, sporting a 254-154-3 record.

"After consulting with (owner) David Braley and (president and CEO) Dennis Skulsky, we believe the best course of action for the club at this time is for me to return as head coach," said Buono.

The 2015 campaign was the first time the Lions finished with a losing record since 2010.