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ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO–The Toronto Argonauts Football Club would like to congratulate former coach and executive, Bob O’Billovich on his retirement from the game. O’Billovich coached the Argonauts to Grey Cup appearances in 1982, 1983 and 1987 and was a two time coach of the year. He was named Head Coach of the All-Time Argos team in 2007.
Bob O’Billovich began his coaching career with the Toronto Argonauts in 1982. He remained as coach until 1989 where he was a part of three (3) Grey Cup appearances (1982, 1983, 1987), one (1) Grey Cup win (1983) and two (2) Coach of the Year awards (1983, 1987).
In 1993, O’Billovich returned to the Argonauts as General Manager. The Argos began that season poorly, and O’Billovich took over as head coach on September 10, 1993. He held the position for the remainder of the 1993 season and for the entirety of the 1994 season. At the end of the 1994 season, O’Billovich relinquished the head coach position to focus on his general manager duties. The Argos again had a poor start for the 1995 season and O’Billovich took over as head coach for the final nine games of the season.
Argonauts Alumni President, Peter Martin, commented, “I first met Bob in 1964 while trying out for the Ottawa Roughriders. He played defence and though I didn’t make the team I played against him as a member of the Argonauts in the 1960s. When I became a broadcaster in the 1980s, and Obie was the Argos’ head coach, it was delightful to go on road trips. Post game, he would invite the press up to his suite to recap the game and we’d just talk football and share a drink together. Bob is a wonderful guy, a great coach and an excellent GM. He’s one of the all-time greats.”
Commented former Argonauts offensive lineman, Dan Ferrone, “He was definitely one of the toughest coaches I played under; he worked us hard and often. We had very few days off and he was a very consistent coach. Ultimately, out of all of the coaches I had, he was my favourite. After leaving football, I learned to appreciate all of his qualities. He knew the game better than most. He had the best eye for a coach; player after player, he would bring the best into the league. I have nothing but admiration for him as a person and a family man. Getting to know him after football, he has a tremendous sense of humor which I never knew he had while playing for him. He was a guiding light on how important being a family man is on your success in the game.”