Chuck McMann, who won Grey Cups as CFL player and coach, passes away at the age of 70

Chuck McMann, who won Grey Cups as a CFL player and assistant coach, has died. He was 70.

The Calgary Stampeders made the announcement Wednesday. McMann served as an assistant coach on head coach Wally Buono’s staff from 1992 to 2000, winning Grey Cups in 1992 and ’98.

A cause of death was not given.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Chuck’s passing,” Stampeders president/GM John Hufnagel, who served for five years with McMann on Buono’s staff, said in a statement. “He was a great man and a great coach and he will be sorely missed.

“My condolences to Chuck’s wife, Marg, and the family for their loss.”

McMann, a Toronto native, spent 10 seasons as a running back with the Montreal Alouettes and Montreal Concordes, winning a Grey Cup title in 1977. He was a third-round pick of the Alouettes in 1976 out of Wilfrid Laurier and is a member of the Golden Hawks Hall of Fame.

McMann served as the head coach at both the University of Waterloo (1988-91) and McGill (2001-06). He also served as a special-teams coach with the B.C. Lions from 2008-15 under both Buono and Mike Benevides, earning a Grey Cup ring in 2011.

“The #BCLions are sad to learn the passing of former longtime assistant coach Chuck McMann,” the Lions tweeted. “Chuck was a member of the coaching staff of our 2011 Grey Cup championship.

“Thoughts are with his family.”

Neil McEvoy, the Lions’ co-GM and football operations director said in a statement that McMann was dedicated to both football and coaching.

“Chuck’s passion for football and coaching was second to none. He also brought a classy and professional approach to the Lions organization, those of which we made sure were emulated throughout the entire club,” McEvoy said.

“The Lions organization was truly better for having Chuck around for a long period of time. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Marg, and their entire family at this difficult time.”

The Alouettes also paid tribute to McMann.

“The Alouettes are saddened by the passing of Chuck McMann, who proudly wore the Alouettes colours from 1976 to 1985, helping the team win the famous 1977 Ice Bowl,” the club said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Former Lions linebackers Adam Bighill and Solomon Elimimian both paid their respects.

“Rest easy Chuck,” tweeted Bighill, now with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “You were such a passionate coach and person.

“I appreciate everything you did for me and so many others! You are missed by so many.”

The retired Elimimian also added on Twitter: “Rest In Peace Coach Chuck. A great coach and wonderful person. You had such a positive impact on so many!”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2021.

The Canadian Press