is Rich Stubler Dead? What Happened to Former CFL coach Rich Stubler?
by Abinaya
Updated Aug 28, 2023
Who was Rich Stubler?
Richard Stubler, born on August 4, 1949, and sadly passed away on August 27, 2023, was a distinguished American football coach with a significant impact on the sport, particularly within the Canadian Football League (CFL). With a coaching career spanning several decades, Stubler left an indelible mark on the field . One of his notable roles was as an assistant coach for the Toronto Argonauts, a position he held until his recent passing.
Stubler's influence extended beyond his coaching expertise; he was recognized for his extensive knowledge and strategic prowess in the sport. His dedication to the Toronto Argonauts, a professional Canadian football team based in Toronto, Canada, was evident in his contributions both on and off the field . Throughout his illustrious career, Stubler's name became synonymous with success.
He achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grey Cup, the championship game of the CFL, an impressive five times. All of these victories came under his leadership as a defensive coordinator, underscoring his mastery in the art of defensive strategies and playcalling . In addition to his achievements as a coordinator, Stubler also took on the role of head coach for the Toronto Argonauts. This responsibility demonstrated his versatility and adaptability within the realm of football coaching.
His leadership qualities and strategic insights were instrumental in guiding his team through the challenges and intricacies of the game. Stubler's journey in the world of football coaching began in the 1970s, and he navigated various levels of the sport with remarkable success. His coaching acumen extended beyond the CFL to encompass a diverse range of experiences.
He made valuable contributions at the high school level, NCAA, Arena Football League, and, notably, the CFL .His tenure as a coach spanned decades, marking him as a witness to the evolution of football and a steadfast contributor to its growth. His expertise was not limited by borders, as his influence was felt on both sides of the border between the United States and Canada.
Rich Stubler's legacy remains intertwined with the history of the sport he dedicated his life to. His impact, measured not only by his accolades but also by the lives he touched and the knowledge he imparted, is a testament to his enduring passion for football. His coaching journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes, showcasing the profound impact that an individual can make through their dedication, expertise, and unwavering love for the game.
Full Name
Richard Stubler
Date of Birth
August 4, 1949
Date of Passing
August 27, 2023
Place of Birth
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Nationality
American
Coaching Career Start
1970s
Notable Achievements
- Five-time Grey Cup champion as a defensive coordinator.
- Head coach of the Toronto Argonauts
Is Rich Stubler Dead?
Yes, Rich Stubler, a respected figure in the world of football, passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. The exact cause of his death has not been immediately revealed. At the time of his passing, Stubler was in his second season as the defensive coordinator for Clearwater Academy International, a preparatory school located in Florida . According to Jesse Chinchar, the head coach at Clearwater, Stubler was not only an accomplished coach but also a remarkable individual.
Chinchar praised Stubler's compassionate and considerate nature, highlighting his ability to make people feel valued. Stubler's passion for coaching remained unwavering until the very end, as he continued to pursue what he loved . In the previous season, Stubler played a pivotal role in guiding Clearwater to its second consecutive state championship.
In honor of his memory, the team has dedicated the remainder of the '23 season to Stubler, aiming to continue their journey with his legacy in mind. Throughout his coaching career, Stubler was associated with six different teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His CFL journey began in 1983 when he joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as the defensive coordinator, a role he fulfilled until 1986.
What Happened to Former CFL coach Rich Stubler?
Rich Stubler died at the age of 74. Over the years, Stubler's expertise benefited teams such as the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, B.C. Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Montreal Alouettes. He often held various positions within these organizations, occasionally even serving multiple stints . For instance, Stubler's connections with the Toronto Argonauts involved multiple periods, including a stint as the head coach in 2008.
Despite his wealth of knowledge and passion for the game, he was let go after achieving a 4-6 record in 10 games. Stubler also had significant contributions as a defensive coordinator or position coach for Edmonton and B.C. His last CFL season occurred in 2021, and fittingly, it was with the Toronto Argonauts, where he assumed the role of a defensive assistant.
The news of Stubler's passing left an impact on the Toronto football community. Ryan Dinwiddie, the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, fondly remembered Stubler as an individual with a deep understanding of the sport, a wealth of experience, and an unyielding enthusiasm for football. Stubler's legacy as a dedicated coach and an influential figure within the CFL community will undoubtedly endure.
Rich Stubler Early Life
Rich Stubler's coaching journey began after he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. In 1971, he took his first coaching role at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale, Colorado. His impact was immediate, leading the team to victory in 30 games and securing a state championship within just three seasons. This early success set the tone for Stubler's coaching career.
In 1974, he took on the role of freshmen coach for the University of Colorado at Boulder's football team, further honing his coaching skills at the collegiate level. Following this, Stubler transitioned to the New Mexico State Aggies, where he served as the secondary coach from 1975 to 1977. This experience allowed him to contribute to the development of college athletes and gain valuable insights into coaching strategies.
In his pursuit of coaching excellence, Stubler took on a role with the Mustangs of Southern Methodist University for a season, broadening his coaching repertoire and expanding his knowledge base. His willingness to learn and adapt demonstrated his dedication to improving his coaching abilities.
From 1979 to 1982, Stubler became a member of the Colorado State Rams coaching staff. This multi-year commitment to the Rams showcased his loyalty to a coaching program and his ability to contribute to a team's success over an extended period. These formative years provided Stubler with a strong foundation in coaching, setting the stage for his future achievements and contributions in the world of football coaching.
Rich Stubler Career
Rich Stubler's coaching career spanned several decades and showcased his immense talent and dedication to football. His journey in coaching began in the 1970s and took him through various levels of the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the Canadian Football League (CFL) and beyond. Stubler's CFL coaching tenure commenced in 1983 when he joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a linebackers coach.
His impact was evident as he played a pivotal role in leading the team to a Grey Cup victory in 1986. This early success set the stage for his remarkable career trajectory. In 1990, Stubler took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts. His strategic acumen and leadership skills shone through, contributing to his second Grey Cup championship in 1993 with the Edmonton Eskimos.
A pivotal point in Stubler's career came in 2003 when he returned to the Argonauts, this time as the defensive coordinator for Mike "Pinball" Clemons. His innovative defensive schemes proved instrumental in securing the Grey Cup for the team in 2004, a victory that also earned him recognition as the CFL's Coach of the Year. Stubler's coaching prowess wasn't confined to his role as a coordinator.
In 2008, he took on the mantle of head coach for the Toronto Argonauts, showcasing his leadership and strategic skills. Under his guidance, the team clinched another Grey Cup victory in 2012. His coaching journey also saw him contribute to the BC Lions as a defensive coordinator, aiding the team's Grey Cup triumph in 2017. Throughout his career, Stubler was celebrated for his ability to maximize the potential of his players and implement innovative defensive strategies.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Stubler was respected and revered in the CFL coaching community. His dedication to the game and his commitment to nurturing young talents made him a beloved figure among players and fellow coaches alike. Tragically, Rich Stubler passed away on August 27, 2023, at the age of 74. His legacy in the world of football coaching will endure as a testament to his skill, passion, and lasting impact on the sport.
Is Rich Stubler Dead - FAQ
Yes, Rich Stubler, a respected figure in football, passed away at 74; the cause of death remains undisclosed. He was serving as Clearwater Academy International's defensive coordinator in Florida.
Richard Stubler, born on August 4, 1949, and sadly passing away on August 27, 2023, was a distinguished American football coach with a significant impact, particularly within the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Rich Stubler achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grey Cup five times, all as a defensive coordinator. He also served as the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts.
Rich Stubler's coaching journey began in the 1970s, spanning high school, NCAA, Arena Football League, and the CFL. He joined the CFL in 1983 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, achieving notable success as a defensive coordinator and head coach for various teams.
Rich Stubler was celebrated for his innovative defensive strategies, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game. He left a lasting impact on players, fellow coaches, and the CFL community.