Lions' Buono not used to missing playoffs

A veteran Vancouver broadcaster once offered a private opinion on Wally Buono's tenure as coach and general manager of the B.C. Lions.

"When he got here, a lot of people thought Wally was God," said the person, who has since retired. "Well, a lot of us are turning into atheists."

Harsh? Maybe.

But it does explain why questions swirl around Buono's future with the CFL team.

The Lions (7-10) are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

For Buono, who has won more games than any other coach in CFL history, it would be only the second time in his 21-year career with Calgary and B.C. that he's missed the playoffs.

Buono admits this season has been a roller coaster of emotions.

"It's been frustrating, it's been exasperating, it's been confusing," he said after practice Thursday. "There still has been rewards.

"You see the progress of the team, see the progress of a lot of the very good, young players. To see the leadership of the veterans. To see this team didn't quit on itself was rewarding. We would like to have a good conclusion."

The Lions, who are tied with the Edmonton Eskimos, need some help to make the playoffs. B.C. must win its final game of the season against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-8) on Saturday (1:30 p.m. ET), then hope the Eskimos lose to Saskatchewan.

If B.C. and Edmonton finish tied, the Eskimos clinch third place because they have a 2-1 edge on games against the Lions.

The Lions' inconsistent season has earned Buono both praise and criticism.

His detractors argue the team's horrible 1-7 start can be blamed on Buono's failure to read talent and inability to put together a team capable of winning in today's game.

His proponents point to B.C.'s 6-3 record down the stretch as an example of Buono's patience for waiting for young players to mature and his ability to convince a team to believe in itself.

"Wally is someone that is very sure of himself," said veteran centre Angus Reid. "When he makes a decision, he sticks with it to the end.

"I think he picked good, talented players. I think the problem was, we had so many young guys it took longer than he hoped for the team to jell.

"He knew it was going to happen. It was a matter of hanging in there and keeping us believing it until it started coming together."

'Losing  brings out the bad'

Quarterback Travis Lulay praised Buono and his staff for staying upbeat during a dismal seven-game losing streak.

"You always say losing brings out the bad characters," said Lulay. "I thought the way they approached meetings after losses, the way they kept things positive, that helped the team stay in a positive spot mentally to give ourselves a chance to play well later in the year."

Buono can be your best friend and worst enemy, sometimes on the same day. He likes to laugh and joke. He also can lash players and media with a sharp tongue.

A deeply religious man, he sometimes shares his views about faith and morality during pre-game media conferences. Buono rarely swears but can wither someone with an angry glare.

A devoted father, he loves when his grandchildren show up for practices or after a game.

A former linebacker and punter with the Montreal Alouettes, Buono has 242 career victories as a coach. His teams have finished first in the West 12 times and a dozen times his clubs have won 12 or moves games in a season.

In total, Buono has four Grey Cup rings.

Buono has never been afraid to cut veterans. He demonstrated that this year by releasing Casey Printers when it became apparent the high-priced quarterback didn't have the talent or temperament to lead the Lions.

"I guess it was a ballsy move," said veteran defensive end Brent Johnson. "For Wally, it's not.

"He's going to do what he's going to do. As of right now, the move is not looking that bad."

'Wally will be with us'

Some people argue Buono's best years as coach are behind him.

He moved to B.C. in 2003. Starting in 2004, the Lions finished first in the West four consecutive times, but won the Grey Cup just once.

Last year B.C. slipped to 8-10, Buono's worst record with the team.

Buono could return next season as general manager and hand the coaching duties off to someone else. Defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides has always been assumed to be the coach-in-waiting.

Lions owner David Braley has made it clear Buono will decide his own future.

"There is not even a question about it," Braley said in a recent interview. "Wally will be with us this time next season.

"It's his decision whether he coaches or he wants to be general manager only. He will be in charge of football operations."

With the Grey Cup game being held at B.C. Place in 2011, Reid expects Buono to remain as coach.

"He's just rebuilt the team," said Reid. "You tell me a replacement?  Good luck.

"Where is your short list? I can't come up with a name."

The Lions' season could end Saturday. Given the nature of the CFL, the Lions could also still advance to the West final and even win the Grey Cup.

Buono laughed when asked if either scenario would impact his decision for next year.

"I'm not saying yes and I'm not going to say no," he said. "Right now, I think the most important thing is to continue to climb the mountain."