Rich Stubler to be Lions defensive coordinator

Long-time CFL defensive guru Rich Stubler is set to join DeVone Claybrooks on the West coast.

Expect Stubler to be named the B.C. Lions defensive coordinator, per sources.

The 69-year-old was hired by the Montreal Alouettes in 2018, originally as the special advisor to Khalil Carter. But after Carter stepped down, Stubler took over as defensive coordinator.

Stubler first came to the CFL in 1983 as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive coordinator. He has held the same position with the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Eskimos, B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders. Cowtown is where Stubler and Claybrooks spent two seasons together as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach respectively. Claybrooks defensive philosophies are largely based on what he’s learned from Stubler.

Stubler also served as head coach in Toronto going 4-6 during the 2008 season before he was let go. He’s spent over 30 years in the CFL, primarily as a defensive coordinator, winning five Grey Cup championships. The last in 2014 with the Stampeders while working with Claybrooks.

Claybrooks gets a trusted, experienced voice in Stubler who he can lean on as a first-time head coach.