Keys led the Riders to their first Grey Cup win in 1966 and has the most wins for a head coach in franchise history. He coached the team for six seasons with four West Division titles and 68 regular season wins. The team also reached the playoffs in each of Keys' six seasons and made three Grey Cup appearances.
Keys was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1990 as a builder and was enshrined in the Saskatchewan Roughrides Plaza of Honor in 1987.
“Eagle Keys is a legend in the CFL and will always hold a special place in the hearts of Rider fans,” stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson in a media release on Thursday night.
“While he will always be thought of as one of the greatest coaches in CFL history, more importantly he was a tremendous person. Eagle was kind enough to join the Riders in 2006 as the team celebrated the 40th anniversary of our first Grey Cup championship. He will be missed by our entire organization.”
An out pouring of sympathy for his family started coming in on Twitter on Thursday night as well.
“R.I.P. Eagle Keys. Forever a part of Saskatchewan Roughriders legend. All Rider fans know you, even if we weren't yet born in your era,” stated Chad Forrest (@C_Forrest).
Riders play-by-play man Rod Pedersen added his condolences, “Flags at half-mast. Eagle Keys passed away today. Coach of '66 Riders.”
Keys was also a legendary player during a six-year CFL career, playing with a broken bone in his right knee. He won two Grey Cups as a player, one with Edmonton in 42nd Grey Cup and another with Montreal in 1949. He was a centre and linebacker and was named to three CFL all-star teams.
Fri, Apr 26, 8:00 AM
Full-time, Term, Administrative, Healthcare
Featured
