A Hall of Fame Career

BCLions.com Staff

Saturday, September 20 will mark a very special occasion for the BC Lions Football Club as vice president of football operations and GM Wally Buono will be inducted in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame as a Builder.

The CFL’s all-time leader in coaching wins with 254, Buono spent nine seasons at the helm of the Lions guiding the club to two Grey Cup wins in 2006 and 2011 as well as five regular season division titles. He stepped down as head coach in December 2011 following the club’s historic championship run. 

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and I am humbled by tonight’s announcement, said Buono from Regina where he is taking in Grey Cup festivities. “This honour is not mine alone and I am very grateful for the support of my family, fellow coaches and the many players I have had the privilege of coaching and being associated with over the years in British Columbia and Calgary.

My thanks also go out to our owner David Braley as well our president and CEO Dennis Skulsky. Their continued efforts to make our organization and our league the very best it can be, and have been instrumental in our shared success. 

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge Joe Galat who offered me a coaching position in Montreal in 1983, Normie Kwong who gave me my first head coaching position with the Stampeders in 1990 as well as the late Bob Ackles who brought me to British Columbia in 2003. All three continue to be tremendous sources inspiration for me during my career.”   

Buono began his head coaching career in Calgary and spent 13 years with the Stampeders recording an astounding 11-straight seasons of 10 wins or more with Grey Cup victories in 1992, 1998 and 2001.

In total, Buono’s head coaching career spanned 22 years and included 13 division titles, five Grey Cup championships, and four Annis Stukus Awards as  the CFL’s Coach of the Year honours (2011, 2006, 1993 and 1992).

Watch: Wally Buono reflects on his legendary career and the path that brought him here