Toronto Argonauts: A tribute to Don Matthews

Tip of the Tower pays tribute to Don Matthews, who led the Toronto Argonauts to two Grey Cups and is arguably the best head coach in CFL history.

Wednesday was a sad day for the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL in general. As reported by CFL.ca, Don Matthews passed away at the age of 77, after a four-year battle with cancer.

Renowned for his brash confidence and swagger, Matthews blazed a trail through the CFL. Depending on who you speak to, he is arguably the best head coach in league history.

When the former US Marine retired from coaching in 2008, he held the CFL record for most wins by a head coach, with 231. This record has since been overtaken by Wally Buono, but his overall record of 231-133-1 still stands out.

Of course, winning games is one thing – winning them at the most important time of the season is another. In that respect, Matthews stands second to no one.

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The Amesbury, Massachusetts native won five Grey Cups and made nine overall appearances, both tied for the most in league history. He was also named CFL Coach of the Year an impressive five times.

However, it doesn’t stop there, with Matthews also winning 11 division championships, as well as five further Grey Cups as defensive coordinator for the Edmonton Eskimos. Unsurprisingly, he was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame in 2011.

Of course, Argonauts fans most remember the University of Idaho graduate’s tenure in Toronto. During his four full seasons in charge, he took the Argos to the playoffs every time.

The highlight of Matthews’ time in charge was undoubtedly winning back-to-back Grey Cups in 1996 and 1997. On both occasions, the Double Blue won the East Division with a 15-3-0 record.

Argonauts General Manager Jim Popp’s relationship with Matthews goes all the way back to 1994, when the two men first worked together for the Baltimore Stallions. Popp shared his thoughts about ‘The Don’, with Argonauts.ca:

"“Coach was a true friend,” said Popp. “We loved each other and we believed in each other. In my 26 years in the CFL, Don gave more creative thoughts and thinking to this great game than most of us combined. Most did not know the humanitarian he was and the many he sincerely reached out to help. For those who were fortunate to know him well and to work with him will tell you he was a tremendous teacher on and off the field. We have lost a legend and one of a kind. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. Other than the tears of sorrow, only a smile on my face and great memories will be associated with ‘The Legend’, Coach Don Matthews.”"

Everyone at Tip of the Tower sends their condolences to the Matthews family. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten by anyone associated with the Argonauts or the rest of the CFL.

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What do you remember about Matthews’ tenure in Toronto? Further, what is your favorite memory from his CFL career as a whole? Share your thoughts in the comments section.