He was simply know as “the Don” in the CFL community. On Wednesday afternoon the CFL announced that legendary coach Don Matthews had passed away at the age of 77. Matthews won 5 Grey Cups, 5 time CFL Coach of the Year winner and had 231 wins on his impressive resume. in 2011 he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
“We are so saddened by the passing of our legendary coach Don Matthews,” said Michael Copeland, President and CEO of the Argonauts. “Twenty years ago, Don led the Argos to back-to-back Grey Cup championships. We were hopeful he could join us later this year when we honour those Grey Cup teams. But on that day, and every day thereafter, he will always be in our hearts. On behalf of our entire organization and our fans, we send our deepest condolences to the Matthews family, and his many friends and fans across the country. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life. We will be forever grateful for the memories he has given us.”
Sad day man. RIP to Don Matthews, the guy that gave me an opportunity to play when nobody else did. #TheDon
— John N. Bowman (@7Bowman) June 14, 2017
The #Argos are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of legendary head coach Don Matthews.
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— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 14, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Don Matthews’ family and friends. #AlsMTL pic.twitter.com/HQe6dq7rZp
— #AlsMTL (@MTLAlouettes) June 14, 2017
#REDBLACKS send their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Don Matthews. pic.twitter.com/fDfvwbXck1
— Ottawa REDBLACKS (@REDBLACKS) June 14, 2017
It is with deep sadness that the Saskatchewan Roughriders learn of the passing of former Riders HC, Don Matthews. pic.twitter.com/Vlqvm19nys
— Sask. Roughriders (@sskroughriders) June 14, 2017
What a great man! He shared his knowledge with several of us. His influence has been instrumental in our success. I love you Coach! pic.twitter.com/U0FxBabvAM
— Jim Popp (@PoppJim) June 14, 2017
You will be missed but never forgotten my friend ???? Greatest coach in @CFL & @TorontoArgos history???? pic.twitter.com/dKYtYyaBOx
— Tie Domi (@thereal_tiedomi) June 14, 2017
Sad to see one of the most iconic figures and coaches who changed the game in all of sports!!! He will be missed and remembered!! #stingCov0
— Henry Burris (@HenryBurris) June 14, 2017