Jeff Tedford to coach BC Lions

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Jeff Tedford has returned to the CFL.

The former University of California coach took over as head coach of the B.C. Lions on Friday. He replaced Mike Benevides, fired following B.C.'s 50-17 loss to Montreal in the East Division semifinal.

The 53-year-old Tedford was hired to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator this season, but left the team during the preseason to undergo a heart procedure. He was released from his contract earlier this month to "pursue other opportunities."

Tedford played six seasons in the CFL as quarterback with Hamilton, Calgary, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg and was an assistant under Lions general manager Wally Buono in Calgary from 1989 to '91.

"I've always had fond memories and a soft spot in my heart for the CFL, both as a player and a coach," Tedford said. "I had great times doing both."

Tedford was 82-57 from 2002 to '12 at Cal, where he coached Green Bay star Aaron Rodgers. Before joing the Bears, he was offensive coordinator at Fresno State and Oregon.