CFL Hall of Fame Head Coach, Dave Ritchie Dead at 85

Dave Ritchie, former head coach of the B.C. Lions has died aged 85. He reportedly died on Saturday, March 9.

His death was confirmed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, another CFL team he coached. In a statement posted on their website, the Blue Bombers said “It is with great sadness that the Winnipeg Football Club has learned of the passing of former Blue Bombers coach Dave Ritchie today at the age of 85.” The cause of death was not stated.

“Dave Ritchie was a respected leader during his days as Blue Bombers head coach and in his other coaching positions across the Canadian Football League, in the NCAA and in Europe”, said Blue Bombers President & CEO Wade Miller in the statement.

Miller added “He had a passion for his players and his teams and led both to great success. The Winnipeg Football Club offers our deepest sympathies to his wife Sharon, Dave’s family and his many friends.”

Ritchie was head coach for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1999 to 2004. He led the Blue Bombers from a 3-15 record to a 6-12 record in 1999. Prior to that he was defensive backfield coach for Montreal Concordes in 1983. He also joined the Italian Football League in 1989, with the team finishing with a 13-1 record before losing in the Italian championship game.

He was a three-time Grey Cup champion, having won in 1990, 1994 and 2006. In 2001, he was named CFL’s Coach of the Year. Ritchie also coached the BC Lions, Montreal Alouettes and Zurich Renegades.

In 2010, he was named to the Fairmont State Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Blue Bomber Hall of Fame as the fourth-winningest head coach in team history with a record of 52-44-1.

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