BC Lions fire special teams coordinator after 0-3 start

The B.C. Lions have dismissed special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid following the team's third consecutive loss to start the Canadian Football League season. The decision was announced on Sunday, June 28, less than 24 hours after the Lions fell 41-33 to the Calgary Stampeders at Kelowna's Apple Bowl.

Lions general manager Ryan Rigmaiden confirmed the immediate departure in a statement, thanking McDiarmid for his contributions. McDiarmid is an experienced CFL coach who previously worked with several franchises and won two Grey Cups with the Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders. The move leaves the Lions, who are last in the West Division with an 0-3 record, seeking a turnaround.

The loss that precipitated the coaching change came in front of a capacity crowd of more than 19,000 at the "Touchdown Kelowna" event, where the Lions are playing temporarily due to FIFA World Cup preparations at their regular Vancouver stadium. The Stampeders secured their first victory of the season, improving to 1-2.

Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who was traded from B.C. after being replaced by Nathan Rourke, threw three touchdown passes against his former team. The Stampeders' scoring included...