Ackles inks extension with Lions

The B.C. Lions signed president Bob Ackles to a three-year contract extension Wednesday.

After spending 15 seasons in the NFL, Ackles returned to the Lions two seasons ago and made a huge impact on the club in 2003 when he brought coach and general manager Wally Buono and quarterback Dave Dickenson to Vancouver.

The Lions were 11-7-0 this past season before losing to the Toronto Argonauts 28-7 in the East Division semi-final.

"It's exciting for me," said Ackles of the extension. "I think we're turning the corner on the field and in the community."

Ackles started with the club in 1954 and was named director of dootball development for the Lions in 1966. He was promoted to GM in 1975 and held that office until 1986. Under Ackles, the Lions won the Grey Cup in 1985, their first CFL title in 21 seasons.

Ackles left the club and joined the Dallas Cowboys where he stayed for six seasons as vice president of pro personnel, before moving on and holding front office positions with Phoenix, Philadelphia and Miami.

In 2002, Ackles was voted into the CFL Hall of Fame in the builders category.

Ackles said the Lions are planning to bid to host the 2005 Grey Cup in Vancouver.

with files from CP Online