Lions agree to terms with DeVone Claybrooks to become head coach

The B.C. Lions have agreed to a three-year contract with DeVone Claybrooks to become head coach, per sources.

The week after winning the Grey Cup as the Calgary Stampeders defensive coordinator, the Lions called and received permission from the Stamps to interview Claybrooks which took place last week.

The Virginia native was under contract with the Stamps through the 2019 season, which means the Lions have to pay half of his salary to Calgary that counts against the Lions non-football cap.

Sportsnet’s Arash Madani first reported Claybrooks was on the verge of being the new bench boss in B.C.

Claybrooks orchestrated the stingiest defence in the CFL during the 2018 season, a key part of the Stampeders CFL championship team. Calgary ranked No. 1 in points allowed (20.2 per game), opponent offensive touchdowns (27), opponent yards per play (5.8), turnovers forced (49), opponent rush yards (86.5 per game) and opponent pass efficiency (79.9) among other categories. Ever since Claybrooks was elevated to defensive coordinator in Calgary the Stamps have been difficult to score points against.

The 41-year-old former defensive lineman played four seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Bucs, 49ers and Cowboys. Claybrooks played for Montreal from 2007 and 2008 then Calgary 2009 to 2011 before moving into coaching.

Claybrooks becomes a head coach for the first time.