DON WNEK Defensive Coordinator Born on May 14, 1951 in Chicago Illinois, Don Wnek's football experience includes 13 years at the university level and 9 years at pro level. Don comes to the BC Lions from the Montreal Alouettes where he spent 1996 as the Defensive Line Coach and 1997 as the Offensive Line Coach. Wnek's coaching repertoire is unique and diverse. From 1991 through 1994 he coached the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Defensive Line. In 1995 when the CFL went south, Don worked alongside Adam Rita in Memphis with the Mad-Dogs. From there he returned to Canada and spent 2 years in Montreal, helping the Alouettes win 25 regular season games. In addition to his CFL duties in 1991 and 1992 Don also worked with the San Antonio Riders of the World League, coaching in 64 pro games in this 2-year period. An innovative and imaginative Defensive Line Coach, Don has associated himself with a number of successful players. While at the University of Nevada, Wnek coached NFL all pro great Charles Mann for 2 years. He also coached 1995 CFL sack leader Tim Cofield in Memphis and 1996 sack champ Grant Carter in Montreal. In 1995 Don's Memphis Mad Dog defense lead the CFL in QB sacks as well as 10 other team statistical categories. Before his pro career Don coached at the University of Nevada for 8 seasons as the Wolf Pack's Defensive Line Coach and Defensive Coordinator. During his tenure the Pack won 3 Conference Championships, including an unprecedented undefeated regular season in 1986. In 1997 Don's Alouette offense led the CFL in rushing, won a franchise record of 14 games and landed 3 Offensive Lineman on the CFL All-Star Team. Personally, Don is a strict vegetarian who enjoys martial arts, reading, music and a variety of outdoor activities. His 19 year old son Eli attends the University of Arizona.