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Henry Burris leaves B.C. Lions for NFL coaching job

VANCOUVER — Henry Burris is no longer an offensive consultant with the B.C. Lions — after just 10 days on the job.
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Ottawa Redblacks Henry Burris tears up as he speaks at rally at Aberdeen Square celebrating the team's Grey Cup victory over the Calgary Stampeders, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

VANCOUVER — Henry Burris is no longer an offensive consultant with the B.C. Lions — after just 10 days on the job.

The Canadian Football League club announced on Friday that Burris was leaving for a coaching opportunity in the National Football League.

"We will not stand in his way and wish him the best of luck in his next endeavour," Lions co-general manager and head coach Rick Campbell said in a statement.

Burris returned to the CFL on March 15 after spending two seasons on the coaching staff of the NFL's Chicago Bears. 

He served as a seasonal coaching assistant in 2020 before being named offensive quality control coach last year.

When Burris joined B.C. less than two weeks ago, he said he entertained coaching offers on both sides of the border but his familiarity with Campbell played a major role in his decision.

Campbell served as head coach of the Ottawa Redblacks from 2014-19 before joining the Lions in 2020. 

Burris was Campbell's quarterback when the Redblacks won the Grey Cup in 2016.

The 46-year-old Burris was a CFL quarterback with Calgary (1997-99, 2005-11), Saskatchewan (2000, 2003-04), Hamilton (2012-13) and Ottawa (2014-16) while also spending time in the NFL with Green Bay (2001) and Chicago (2002).

Twice Burris was the CFL's outstanding player (2010, '15) and won three Grey Cups (1998, 2008, 2016). He was the game's top player on two occasions.

Burris finished his career with 63,227 passing yards (third-most all-time) and 374 TDs (third overall). He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press