B.C. Lions appoint Dennis McKnight as new special teams coordinator

By Noah Lavoie — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

The B.C. Lions have announced the appointment of Dennis McKnight as their new special teams coordinator. This move comes after the team began the season with three consecutive losses, leading to the dismissal of former special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid on June 28.

McKnight, a veteran coach, had retired last year after serving as the special teams coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Despite his retirement, McKnight expressed that his passion for football never truly left him, often finding himself critiquing plays while watching games from home.

His return to the sidelines marks a new chapter for the Lions, who are looking to turn their season around. The team entered a bye week with a 1-3 record and is scheduled to return to play on Friday against the Elks in Edmonton.

McKnight’s Coaching Philosophy and Player Reception

McKnight brings a wealth of experience to the Lions. While he has not spent extensive time with his new squad, he is familiar with their capabilities, having faced them four times over the past two years during his tenure with the Tiger-Cats. He described the Lions as a “big, strong, fast, physical team” and believes that by refining their technique, they can achieve success.

Neil McEvoy, the Lions’ vice president of football operations, characterized McKnight as an “old-school type of coach” who he believes the players need. McEvoy acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding McKnight’s arrival, noting that McDiarmid was well-liked by the players and staff. However, McEvoy has observed McKnight developing a positive relationship with his new team.

Players have also begun to adapt to the change. Fullback Riley Pickett expressed disappointment regarding McDiarmid’s departure but emphasized the team’s readiness to perform for McKnight. He highlighted the frequent changes inherent in football, stating that adapting to a new coach four games into the season is simply the latest adjustment for the Lions.

Veteran kicker Sean Whyte echoed this sentiment, explaining that a new coach always brings a learning curve. Whyte stressed the importance for professional football players to adjust to new coaching styles and methods.

A Difficult Start to the Season

The Lions have faced a challenging start to their season, reflected in their 1-3 record. McEvoy admitted that the team has not performed at the desired level and that their current standing was not anticipated. He underscored the importance of accountability from the players to start winning games, stating that ultimately, it is the players on the field who must execute.

McKnight’s coaching career began in 1999 at the University of Hawaii. Since then, he has held various roles across multiple NCAA programs and the XFL. His experience also includes a significant playing career in the NFL, where he played 141 games as an offensive guard. He spent eight seasons with the San Diego Chargers and also had stints with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, McKnight’s extensive background in both playing and coaching at various levels is expected to contribute to the Lions’ efforts to improve their performance.

The team’s upcoming game against the Elks in Edmonton on Friday will be their first opportunity to demonstrate progress under McKnight’s leadership.

Source: sportsnet.ca