Wally Buono put aside rumours that he was contemplating a permanent move up to the press box by agreeing to a two-year contract extension with the BC Lions on Wednesday.
The deal will keep the CFL's all-time leader in coaching wins in his current post as the Lions general manager and head coach through the 2013 season.
There was the thought that Buono was considering stepping back from the coach's role as early as the end of the 2010 season to focus solely on his general manager duties, but Buono says he still has the enthusiasm to do both.
''My time in BC has been tremendously rewarding and my passion for coaching is stronger than ever as I look forward to earning another championship for Lions fans,'' said Buono. ''David Braley has laid a solid foundation for the success of the Lions organization and I truly appreciate the confidence he has placed in me over the past seven seasons.
This season will mark Buono's eighth season as the Lions general manager and head coach. Buono's 235 career wins is a CFL record, one he broke last season when he surpassed Don Matthews' 232 wins.
''Wally's accomplishments over more than three decades as a player, coach and GM are unparalleled,'' Lions owner, president and CEO David Braley said in a statement. ''His commitment to excellence and his ability to get the very best from everyone in the organization make him highly respected across our league and I am excited about what the future holds for our club with Wally leading the way.''
The three time CFL coach of the year has led the Leos to seven straight postseason appearances, including five-straight West Final's and one East final as the crossover team in 2009. He also helped BC capture the Grey Cup in 2006.
