Legendary CFL coach Matthews dies at 77
TORONTO — They called him “The Don,” and with good reason.
A larger-than-life character with a sharp wit who thrived in the spotlight, Don Matthews took wicked pleasure in keeping people around him on edge with his abrasive, no-nonsense style.
The Hall of Famer, who died Wednesday at the age of 77, was one of the most prolific coaches in CFL history with 231 wins and 10 Grey Cup titles on his resumé, including five won as a head coach.
But he was also a controversial figure who had a high-risk, high-reward philosophy.
Players loved suiting up for him because of his reputation for creating a winning atmosphere and protecting his athletes. During the regular season, Matthews’ teams rarely hit during practice and he routinely allowed his players to participate in creating the weekly game plan.
Yet, he maintained his distance. While known for being a “player’s coach,” he could also be ruthless when it came to making tough personnel decisions and wasn’t afraid to bench a veteran or cut him outright if he wasn’t producing.
“It’s that balance and to do that you must be brilliant,” said running back/slotback Mike (Pinball) Clemons, who won two Grey Cups over three seasons playing for Matthews in Toronto. “Some people try to be a player’s coach but they let it go too far and the players run the roost.
“He was a player’s coach, but he was also the boss and everybody knew that.”
The Argonauts said Matthews died Wednesday morning of pneumonia in Beaverton, Oregon. He had announced in 2012 he was battling cancer.
In a statement, the CFL called Matthews “one of a kind.”