General manager Ed Hervey has informed the B.C. Lions that he is stepping down from his position for personal reasons.
Prior to the 2019 CFL season, Hervey signed a two-year contract extension that was slated to run out at the end of the 2020 campaign. However, a year was added following last season. Of course, the league cancelled its schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While the CFL is not playing this year and our roster is currently set, head coach Rick Campbell and director, football operations Neil McEvoy will work together with the Lions scouting staff to ensure continuity in football operations,” president Rick LeLacheur said in a statement.
Hervey inked franchise quarterback Mike Reilly to a lucrative four-year agreement worth $2.9 million during free agency in February, but that didn’t translate into wins. B.C.’s first season without Wally Buono since 2003 saw the team miss the playoffs at 5-13.
The 47-year-old was out of football for the 2017 season after being let go by Edmonton in a surprising move. He had discussions with a few CFL teams and eventually joined the Lions.
The Eskimos went 4-14 in the first season with Hervey as general manager but he turned the team around, going 36-18 from 2014-2016. Edmonton made it to the division final round in each of those seasons and won a Grey Cup in 2015 with Reilly leading the way at QB.
Hervey spent his entire eight-year CFL playing career (1999-2006) with the Eskimos, winning two Grey Cups in 2003 and 2005. He recorded 476 catches for 6,715 yards and 43 touchdowns in 118 games. He then became a scout for Edmonton and ascended to the general manager position.
