B.C. Lions name Dennis McKnight special teams coordinator

By Liam Tremblay — 13 July 2026 — 3 min read

The B.C. Lions announced on Monday the appointment of Dennis McKnight as their new special teams coordinator. McKnight, who had retired last year after coaching special teams for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, returns to the CFL sidelines.

McKnight’s coaching career spans over two decades, encompassing both professional and college football. He previously served as special teams coordinator for the Tiger-Cats during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. His initial tenure with the Tiger-Cats began in 2017 in the same role, followed by a period as the offensive line coach from 2018 to 2019. During 2019, his unit contributed to Hamilton leading the CFL in net offence per game and ranking in the top three for first downs, sacks allowed, and rushing yards per game. McKnight first entered the CFL in 2011 as the running backs coach for the Edmonton Eskimos.

Prior to his CFL experience, McKnight started his coaching journey at the University of Hawaii in 1999 as a special teams coordinator. He also held various roles at institutions such as Grossmont College, San Diego State, Southern Methodist University, and Lamar University. Additionally, he spent a year as a high school head coach at The Atonement Academy in San Antonio in 2016. In the XFL, he coached the offensive line for the Houston Roughnecks in 2020 and the Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023, with a stint at Washington State Cougars in 2021.

McKnight’s playing career included 141 NFL games as an offensive guard from 1982 to 1992. He played eight seasons with the San Diego Chargers, starting 85 games, and also had time with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

Team Adjusts to New Leadership

The Lions made this change after dismissing former special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid on June 28, following a start to the season with three consecutive losses. The team currently holds a 1-3 record heading into a bye week.

Riley Pickett, a fullback for the Lions, expressed disappointment regarding McDiarmid’s departure, noting that players felt they could have performed better for him. However, Pickett acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football and the need to adapt to new coaching staff, especially with much of the season remaining.

Veteran kicker Sean Whyte echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance for professional athletes to adjust to a new coach’s methods and techniques. He stated that adapting is a key part of being a professional football player.

Looking Ahead for the Lions

Neil McEvoy, the Lions’ vice president of football operations, described McKnight as an “old-school type of coach” who he believes the players need. McEvoy acknowledged that it is a challenging environment for McKnight to enter, given McDiarmid’s popularity among the players. However, he noted that McKnight has been developing good relationships with the team.

McKnight himself commented on the Lions’ capabilities, stating that he knows what they can do from his previous encounters with them as part of 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.

McEvoy indicated that the team has not been performing at their desired level, and turning the season around will require improvements across offence, defence, and special teams. He stressed the importance of player accountability in winning games. The Lions are scheduled to return to play on Friday against the Elks in Edmonton.

Source: sportsnet.ca