The B.C. Lions have fired head coach Mike Benevides.

The move comes after the Lions were defeated 50-17 by Montreal in the CFL East Division semifinal on Sunday.

The Lions entered the season hoping to advance to the Grey Cup, which is being held in Vancouver this year.

But they struggled to a 9-9 record without injured starting quarterback Travis Lulay.

The Lions lost their last two regular-season games by a combined score of 70-19 before crossing over to the East semifinal and being trounced by Montreal.

Benevides succeeded current Lions general manager and vice-president Wally Buono as head coach after the club’s 2011 championship season.