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Ron Lancaster
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Ronald Lancaster (October 14, 1938 – September 18, 2008) was an American-Canadian professional football player and coach in the Canadian Football League (CFL). As the starting quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders for 16 seasons, he led the team to its first Grey Cup championship in 1966 and is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards, attempts, completions, touchdowns, and interceptions.[1] At the time of his retirement, he was the CFL's career leader in passing yards and still ranks sixth overall as of 2016. After his retirement as a player, he served as a head coach and general manager in the CFL; he led his teams to two Grey Cups and currently ranks fourth all-time with 142 regular season wins. He was also a colour commentator on the CFL on CBC from 1981 to 1990. At the time of his death, he was the Senior Director of Football Operations of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (1982), Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (1985) and the Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Honour (1985).

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Lancaster was born in the Pittsburgh area industrial town of Fairchance, Pennsylvania and moved to nearby Clairton as a young boy. At the time of his death, his mother still resided in Clairton.

Playing career

[edit]

Lancaster was a talented quarterback by the time he graduated from Clairton High School, but because he was 5′5″ (165 cm),[2][3] he was ignored by most college scouts. He attended tiny Wittenberg University and led its team to a 25-8-1 record between 1956 and 1959,[4] and two Ohio Athletic Conference championships in 1957 and 1958.

By the time he graduated from Wittenberg he had grown to 5’10". His college coach had a friend with the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and Lancaster signed with them. During his rookie season in 1960, Lancaster shared the quarterbacking duties with another future Hall of Famer, Russ Jackson, and also played defensive back. The Ottawa Rough Riders won the Grey Cup that season.

In 1963 Lancaster's playing rights were sold to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for $500 with the stipulation that if Saskatchewan ever wanted to trade him, Ottawa would have the first right of refusal.

It was with Saskatchewan that "The Little General" found his stride. In 16 seasons with the Roughriders (1963–1978), he led the team into the playoffs 14 consecutive years and made it to the CFL's Western Football Conference final 12 times. During that period, Saskatchewan played for the Grey Cup five times (1966, 1967, 1969, 1972, and 1976) and won it once, in 1966, when they defeated Lancaster's former team, the Ottawa Rough Riders, 29–14.

In Lancaster's career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he won 170 games as quarterback,[5] and had only one losing record, 4–11–1 in 1978, his last season as a player.

He was the first quarterback in CFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards, won the Schenley Award as most outstanding player in 1970 and 1976, was an All-Canadian in 1970, 1973, 1975 and 1976 and a Western all-star in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975 and 1976.[5]

In November 2006, the Canadian sports network TSN ranked Lancaster seventh on its list of Top 50 Players of the CFL's modern era.

At the time of his death, thirty years after his retirement as a player, he was still ranked in the top three in career statistics in a number of categories:

  • second in touchdown passes (333, surpassed at the time only by Damon Allen) [Eight months after Lancaster's death, Anthony Calvillo moved past Lancaster into second place.]
  • third in pass completions (3,384)
  • third in pass attempts (6,233)
  • third in yards passing (50,535)

Career statistics

[edit]
  Passing   Rushing
Year Team Att Comp Pct Yards TD Int Rating Att Yards Avg Long TD
1960 OTT 201 101 50.2 1,843 16 18 71.4 19 134 7.1 40 0
1961 OTT 100 49 49.0 966 9 8 79.8 17 122 7.2 23 1
1962 OTT 98 48 49.0 1,016 9 12 65.7 10 76 7.6 22 0
1963 SSK 226 106 46.9 1,727 11 19 54.2 34 139 4.1 15 2
1964 SSK 263 144 54.8 2,256 16 13 83.1 26 152 5.8 28 3
1965 SSK 305 160 52.5 2,586 17 26 64.2 33 84 2.5 20 3
1966 SSK 303 182 60.1 2,976 28 20 96.4 29 91 3.1 24 1
1967 SSK 330 169 51.2 2,809 16 24 66.1 29 131 4.5 25 2
1968 SSK 358 181 50.6 2,969 12 17 70.2 25 197 7.9 24 2
1969 SSK 354 188 53.1 3,104 25 28 73.5 22 115 5.2 48 3
1970 SSK 330 175 53.0 2,779 16 22 69.7 21 71 3.4 20 2
1971 SSK 375 192 51.2 2,759 16 23 64.1 5 0 0.0 2 0
1972 SSK 357 208 58.3 2,942 23 20 83.1 7 12 1.7 15 0
1973 SSK 464 263 56.7 3,767 22 27 74.7 8 17 2.1 13 1
1974 SSK 395 222 56.2 2,873 20 20 75.0 8 15 1.9 12 1
1975 SSK 441 239 54.2 3,545 23 27 72.6 14 11 0.8 10 0
1976 SSK 494 297 60.1 3,869 25 25 80.6 5 5 1.0 2 2
1977 SSK 449 255 56.8 3,072 14 20 69.8 14 48 3.4 9 3
1978 SSK 390 205 52.6 2,677 15 27 58.5 10 8 0.8 2 3
OTT totals 399 198 49.6 3,825 34 38 72.1 46 332 7.2 40 1
SSK totals 5,834 3,186 54.6 46,710 299 358 72.4 290 1,096 3.8 48 28
CFL totals 6,233 3,384 54.3 50,535 333 396 72.4 336 1,428 4.3 48 29

Coaching career

[edit]

Lancaster was a player-coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 1977 and 1978 seasons and also served as Saskatchewan's offensive co-ordinator.

He became Saskatchewan's head coach in 1979 but found, as one writer put it, that "the glorious fifties and sixties were over, and he was the first Roughrider coach in sixteen years who did not have Ron Lancaster at quarterback."[6] The Roughriders finished 2–14 in 1979 and 2-14 in 1980. Lancaster would not coach again for eleven years.

After serving as a colour commentator for The CFL on CBC from 1981 to 1990, he became head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos on February 4, 1991. From 1991 to 1997, he had a record of 83–42 in the regular season and a Grey Cup win in 1993. He passed Hugh Campbell's team record for wins on October 27, 1996.

Lancaster signed on to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as head coach on November 26, 1997. Between 1998 and 2003, he took the team to the Grey Cup twice (1998 and 1999), winning it in 1999. On July 10, 2006, Lancaster was re-hired as the team's head coach on an interim basis after the firing of Greg Marshall.

At the time of his death, Lancaster’s 142 career regular-season wins placed him fourth on the CFL’s career regular season wins list.[7]

CFL coaching record

[edit]
Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Result
SSK 1979 2 14 0 .125 5th in West Conference – – Missed Playoffs
SSK 1980 2 14 0 .125 5th in West Conference – – Missed Playoffs
SSK total 4 28 0 .125 0 West Division
Championships		 - - 0 Grey Cups
EDM 1991 12 6 0 .667 1st in West Division 0 1 Lost in Division Finals
EDM 1992 10 8 0 .556 2nd in West Division 1 1 Lost in Division Finals
EDM 1993 12 6 0 .667 2nd in West Division 3 0 Won Grey Cup
EDM 1994 13 5 0 .722 2nd in West Division 0 1 Lost in Division Semi-Finals
EDM 1995 13 5 0 .722 2nd in North Division 1 1 Lost in Division Finals
EDM 1996 11 7 0 .611 2nd in West Division 2 1 Lost in Grey Cup
EDM 1997 12 6 0 .667 1st in West Division 0 1 Lost in Division Finals
EDM total 83 43 0 .659 2 West Division
Championships		 7 6 1 Grey Cup
HAM 1998 12 5 1 .694 1st in East Division 1 1 Lost in Grey Cup
HAM 1999 11 7 0 .611 2nd in East Division 3 0 Won Grey Cup
HAM 2000 9 9 0 .500 2nd in East Division 0 1 Lost in Division Semi-Finals
HAM 2001 11 7 0 .611 2nd in East Division 1 1 Lost in Division Finals
HAM 2002 7 11 0 .389 3rd in East Division – – Missed Playoffs
HAM 2003 1 17 0 .056 4th in East Division – – Missed Playoffs
HAM 2006 4 10 0 .286 4th in East Division – – Missed Playoffs
HAM total 55 66 1 .455 1 East Division
Championship		 5 3 1 Grey Cup
Total 142 137 1 .509 2 West Division
Championships
1 East Division
Championship		 12 9 2 Grey Cups

Broadcasting career

[edit]

CBC Television signed Lancaster as a colour commentator on CFL broadcasts in 1980. He was part of a trio that included Don Wittman doing the play-by-play and former Argonaut head coach Leo Cahill doing colour commentary (Cahill left after the 1985 season). He was with the CBC from 1981 to 1990 and was a member of the CBC team at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea as the play-by-play broadcaster for basketball.

Illness and death

[edit]

In 2004, Lancaster was diagnosed with bladder cancer, but appeared to have beaten it after treatment. In 2008, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and immediately started treatment. Lancaster was positive in his outlook, saying, "Five years ago, I survived a battle with cancer, and now we have another battle on our hands. The goal is to get this taken care of and move forward just like I did five years ago. We will approach this the same way as then and I thank you all in advance for your kindness as I am on my path to recovery."[8] Six weeks later, on September 18, 2008, Lancaster died of a heart attack.[9][10] He was survived by his wife, Bev, his three children Lana, Ron, and Bob, and four grandchildren.[11][12]

At the 2008 CFL season Awards ceremony on November 20, 2008, he was posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Award for outstanding contribution to the CFL by Commissioner Mark Cohon.[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ron Lancaster

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ronald Lancaster (October 14, 1938 – September 18, 2008) was an American-born professional football player, coach, and broadcaster in the Canadian Football League (CFL), best known as the longtime quarterback for the and a two-time champion as both player and coach. Born in Fairchance, , and raised in the steel town of Clairton near , Lancaster starred as a at from 1956 to 1959, leading the Tigers to a 25-8-1 record, an championship in 1958, and earning first-team All-conference honors in 1957 along with team captain and MVP accolades in his senior year. He entered the CFL in 1960 with the , where he contributed to a victory in his rookie season, before joining the in 1963 for a 16-year tenure that defined much of his playing legacy. Over 19 CFL seasons, Lancaster completed 3,384 of 6,233 pass attempts for 50,535 yards and 333 touchdowns, ranking among the league's all-time leaders in these categories at the time of his retirement in 1978; he led the league in passing yards five times (1970, 1973, 1975, 1976, and 1977) and earned the Schenley Award as the CFL's outstanding player in 1970 and 1976. Nicknamed the "Little General" for his 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) stature and commanding field presence, he guided to their first title in 1966 and appeared in four more finals (1960, 1967, 1972, 1976), while securing seven All-Western selections and four All-Canadian honors. Transitioning to coaching after his playing days, Lancaster served as of the Eskimos from 1991 to 1997, compiling an 83-42 regular-season record and winning the 1993 , before moving to the from 1997 to 2003 and briefly in 2006, where he reached appearances in 1998 and 1999 and claimed the 1999 championship. His overall record included 142 regular-season victories, placing him fifth in CFL history, and he later worked as a radio and in front-office roles with Hamilton. Lancaster's contributions were recognized with induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982, the in 1985, and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame; he received the CFL Commissioner's Award posthumously in 2008 for his lifetime achievements. He passed away in , from a heart attack shortly after battling , survived by his wife Bev and three children.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Ron Lancaster was born on October 14, 1938, in Fairchance, Pennsylvania, a small industrial town in the Pittsburgh area, to working-class parents deeply rooted in the region's steel industry. Lancaster was the oldest of 10 children born to parents Elmer and Dorothy Lancaster. As a young boy, the family relocated to nearby Clairton, Pennsylvania, another blue-collar community dominated by steel production, where his father and several relatives, including brothers and uncles, labored in the mills. This move immersed him in a tough, working-class environment that emphasized resilience and hard work, shaping his early worldview. He grew up with siblings in this setting, where the hum of steel mills formed the backdrop to daily life, fostering a competitive spirit through familial bonds and shared challenges. Lancaster's childhood was marked by an early passion for , encouraged by his family and the local community; at age five, he attended his first football game, sparking a lifelong interest. He participated actively in football, , and during his youth, gaining initial exposure through neighborhood play and high school activities at Clairton High School, where the industrial town's emphasis on mirrored the of mill work. This foundation of family support and local athletic involvement honed his determination and set the stage for his future in organized sports.

University years and initial football involvement

Lancaster, hailing from a working-class family in Fairchance, , enrolled at in , in 1956, where he pursued a degree in education, graduating in 1960. As a for the team from 1956 to 1959, he became a standout leader on squads that compiled an impressive 25-8-1 overall record. Under head coach Bill Edwards, who had assumed the role in 1955 and initiated an era of success for the program, Lancaster guided the Tigers to an (OAC) championship in 1958. Lancaster earned first-team All-OAC honors as a in 1957 and was selected as team captain and during his senior season in 1959. These college years honed his passing precision, field vision, and on-field decision-making—skills that Edwards himself later highlighted in recommending Lancaster to professional scouts—laying the foundation for his transition to the Canadian Football League draft.

Playing career

Ottawa Rough Riders tenure (1960–1962)

Ron Lancaster, fresh from a standout college career at where he led the Tigers to championships in 1957 and 1958, signed with the of the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU) in 1960 as a . The IRFU, as the eastern conference of the newly unified (CFL) since 1958, was navigating the transition from its pre-merger "Big Four" era, emphasizing a blend of American imports and Canadian talent amid evolving rules like the 12-player format and wider field dimensions. Lancaster faced immediate challenges adapting to these differences from U.S. , including the absence of down-and-distance resets on incomplete passes, while competing for playing time behind established starter , a future Hall of Famer and the 1959 CFL Most Outstanding Player. Initially slotted as a , Lancaster intercepted three passes in his debut season before injuries to Jackson opened opportunities at . In his inaugural 1960 campaign, Lancaster emerged as a key contributor during 's successful season, completing 101 of 201 passes for 1,843 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions over 14 games, helping the secure a 9–5 record and second-place finish in the IRFU. A highlight came in his first start on September 3 against the , where he threw for 391 yards in a 29–22 victory, showcasing his arm strength and poise under pressure. These efforts propelled to the , where they defeated the Western Football Conference champion Eskimos 16–6 in , marking the franchise's first championship since 1951 and Lancaster's introduction to professional success despite the quarterback rotation with Jackson. Lancaster's role expanded in 1961 amid Ottawa's 8–6 second-place finish in the Eastern Conference, though the team fell 43–19 to the in the semifinals; he appeared in 14 games, completing 49 of 100 passes for 966 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions while adding five rushing scores. The 1962 season proved more challenging for both Lancaster and the , who posted a 6–7–1 record and again finished second before a narrow 18–17 playoff loss to the Alouettes. Starting more consistently, Lancaster went 48 of 98 for 1,016 yards, nine touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 14 games, demonstrating resilience in a defense-oriented era but highlighting ongoing adjustments to Canadian schemes and the pressure of sharing duties with Jackson. These early years solidified Lancaster's development as a versatile signal-caller, setting the stage for his trade to the after the 1962 campaign.
SeasonGamesCompletions/AttemptsCompletion %Passing YardsTouchdownsInterceptions
196014101/20150.21,8431618
19611449/10049.096698
19621448/9849.01,016912

Saskatchewan Roughriders era (1963–1978)

Lancaster joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1963 after being traded from the Ottawa Rough Riders on July 29 for $500, a move that positioned him as a key acquisition for the western club seeking a reliable signal-caller. His early experience backing up Russ Jackson in Ottawa had honed his skills, providing a solid foundation for his impending starring role in Regina. Lancaster made his first start on August 15, 1963, completing 9 of 20 passes for 127 yards in a 5-3 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and solidified his position as the starter following a 33-33 tie against the Calgary Stampeders on October 19, where he threw three touchdown passes for 311 yards. Over the next 16 seasons, he became the franchise's cornerstone quarterback, setting team records in every major passing category and establishing himself as the all-time leader with 3,384 completions for 50,535 yards and 333 touchdowns during his tenure. Under Lancaster's leadership, the Roughriders experienced sustained success, qualifying for the in 14 consecutive seasons from 1963 to 1976 and reaching the Western Football Conference final 12 times. His command of the offense propelled the team to its first championship in 1966, defeating his former club, the , 29-14 in , where Lancaster threw three passes to secure the victory and earn the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy as Western Division MVP. The following year, returned to the but fell short as runners-up, losing 24-1 to the in a lopsided final marked by harsh conditions. Lancaster guided the team to three more appearances in 1969, 1972, and 1976, though they finished as runners-up each time, highlighting his role in elevating the Roughriders from perennial contenders to national title threats. Lancaster's tenure was defined by intense prairie rivalries, particularly against the , where Classic matchups often showcased his poise under pressure. In one memorable come-from-behind victory over , Lancaster orchestrated a late-game drive that forced after a missed by the Riders' kicker, underscoring the fierce competition that characterized these clashes. His playing style evolved from an athletic scrambler in his early years to a precise pocket passer renowned for his football intelligence and accuracy, adapting to defensive schemes across two decades while mentoring younger teammates. In the 1970s, Lancaster solidified his status as the "Little General" for his undersized frame—standing under 5-foot-11—and commanding presence, fostering a resilient team culture amid the highs of runs and the frustrations of close defeats. Despite battling injuries that tested his durability later in the decade, he engineered comebacks and maintained productivity, leading in passing yards multiple times (1970, 1973, 1975, 1976, and 1977) and earning the Schenley Award as Canada's outstanding player in 1970 and 1976. His unwavering leadership helped instill a winning mentality in Regina, transforming the Roughriders into a symbol of provincial pride during an era of growing fan devotion.

Key achievements and records

Ron Lancaster's playing career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) was marked by numerous individual accolades that underscored his status as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. He won the Schenley as the CFL's Most Outstanding Player twice, in 1970 and 1976, recognizing his exceptional leadership and performance during those seasons. Additionally, Lancaster earned the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy as the Western Football Conference's Most Outstanding Player on five occasions (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1976), highlighting his dominance within his division. Lancaster was selected as a Western All-Star seven times and as a CFL All-Star four times (1970, 1973, 1975, and 1976), reflecting his consistent excellence at the position. He led the CFL in passing yards five times during his career, specifically in 1970, 1973, 1975, 1976, and 1977, establishing himself as the league's top aerial threat in an era defined by rugged defenses and innovative passing schemes. Upon his retirement in 1978, Lancaster held several CFL passing records, including the all-time marks for career passing yards (50,535) and passes (333), becoming the first to surpass 50,000 yards and setting benchmarks that stood until later surpassed by players like . These accomplishments were pivotal in his 1982 induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, where he was honored for his transformative impact on the game. In 1987, he was inducted into the Plaza of Honour as a charter member, celebrating his 16-year tenure that included a victory in 1966 and his role in elevating the franchise's profile.

Career statistics

Passing and rushing totals

Ron Lancaster amassed impressive passing totals over his 19-season CFL career, completing 3,384 of 6,233 attempts for 50,535 yards, 333 touchdowns, and 396 interceptions, yielding a 54.3% completion rate. These figures underscored his productivity as a pocket passer in an era dominated by ground attacks and conservative play-calling. His passing production was heavily concentrated during his 16 years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he set franchise records for attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns that stood for decades. In contrast, his three seasons with the Ottawa Rough Riders provided a solid foundation but far fewer opportunities. The following table summarizes his passing statistics by team:
TeamYearsAttemptsCompletionsYardsTouchdownsInterceptions
Ottawa Rough Riders1960–19623991983,8253438
Saskatchewan Roughriders1963–19785,8343,18646,710299358
Career Totals1960–19786,2333,38450,535333396
As a dual-threat element to his game, Lancaster also contributed on the ground, rushing 336 times for 1,428 yards and 29 touchdowns across his career, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. His mobility added versatility, particularly in short-yardage situations, though rushing remained secondary to his arm talent. Most of his rushing production occurred in , reflecting his role in a balanced offense. The table below details his rushing statistics by team:
TeamYearsCarriesYardsTouchdownsYards per Carry
Ottawa Rough Riders1960–19624633217.2
1963–19782901,096283.8
Career Totals1960–19783361,428294.3
Lancaster's totals cemented several records, including the CFL's all-time passing yardage mark upon his 1978 retirement, a benchmark he held until surpassed in the . In the context of his era, these achievements stand out given the lower volume of passing attempts league-wide—typically around 300–400 per season for starting quarterbacks—compared to the modern NFL's emphasis on aerial attacks exceeding 600 attempts annually.

Seasonal performance highlights

In 1966, Lancaster delivered a breakout performance for the , completing 182 of 303 passes for 2,976 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the CFL in both passing yards and touchdowns, a mark that highlighted his efficiency with a completion percentage over 60% in an era when league-wide figures hovered around 50%. This season culminated in Saskatchewan's first championship, a 29-14 victory over the , where Lancaster's precise passing orchestrated key drives against his former team. Lancaster's dominance peaked in several standout seasons during the , where he not only led the league in passing yards but also earned accolades for his overall impact. In 1970, he threw for 2,779 yards on 175 completions, securing the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award and demonstrating superior efficiency compared to league contemporaries who averaged under 2,500 yards. He repeated as league passing yards leader in 1973 with a career-high 3,767 yards and 22 touchdowns, earning All-CFL honors and outpacing the next closest by 404 yards in a season when high-volume passing was still emerging. The 1975 campaign saw him top the CFL again with 3,545 yards and 23 touchdowns, again as an All-CFL selection, underscoring his consistency amid a Roughriders team that relied on his arm for playoff contention. Lancaster capped this era in 1976, amassing 3,869 yards and 25 touchdowns to lead the league once more, earning his second CFL Most Outstanding Player award at age 38 and far exceeding the era's typical benchmarks of around 2,000-2,500 yards. As Lancaster entered his mid-30s, his production began to wane in 1977 and 1978, with 3,072 yards and 14 touchdowns in the former year, followed by 2,677 yards and 15 in the latter, still above league norms but reflecting the physical toll of 18 professional seasons. During these final years, he transitioned into a role, mentoring emerging talents like backup quarterbacks while handing off starting duties more frequently, which helped groom the next generation for the Roughriders amid the team's rebuilding phase.

Coaching career

Saskatchewan Roughriders (1979–1980)

Following his retirement as a player after the 1978 season, Ron Lancaster was immediately appointed head coach of the , succeeding Walt Posadowski and building on his recent experience as a in 1977 and 1978. His intimate knowledge of the team's dynamics from 16 years as their provided an insider's perspective on strategy and personnel, though the transition to full-time proved challenging amid a rebuilding roster depleted by age and injuries. The 1979 season marked Lancaster's debut as head coach, resulting in a dismal 2–14 record that highlighted ongoing struggles with offensive execution and defensive vulnerabilities. Key decisions, such as installing former standout as the starting , aimed to maintain continuity but failed to overcome roster inconsistencies and tactical mismatches against stronger Western Conference opponents. Despite the losses, Lancaster's legendary status as the Roughriders' all-time leading passer fostered resilience in team morale, with players drawing motivation from his proven leadership on the field. In 1980, Lancaster sought adjustments, including shifting to Joe Barnes at quarterback to inject fresh energy into the offense, yet the team again finished 2–14, underscoring persistent issues with depth and execution. The poor performance led to his dismissal at the end of the season, ending his initial coaching stint after just two years. Throughout the tenure, Lancaster's rapport with the squad—rooted in his iconic —helped sustain player effort amid the setbacks, though it could not prevent the franchise's worst back-to-back records in modern history.

Edmonton Eskimos (1991–1997)

Ron Lancaster was hired as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos on February 5, 1991, by general manager , following a disappointing 50–11 loss in the 1990 despite a 10–8 regular season finish. Coming off a decade-long career with CBC that honed his strategic insights, Lancaster implemented dynamic offensive schemes emphasizing quick passes and player mobility, transforming the team's attack into one of the league's most potent. Under Lancaster's leadership, the Eskimos experienced a rapid turnaround, posting a 12–6 record in to claim first place in the West Division, though they fell in the Western Final to . The team maintained consistent contention, achieving 10–8 in 1992 and another 12–6 in , culminating in a 33–23 victory over the in the 81st , where Damon earned MVP honors after throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Lancaster developed key talents like , who emerged as a dual-threat star under his guidance, alongside defensive standouts such as linebacker Willie Pless and offensive lineman Rod Connop, fostering a balanced roster that reached the every season from to 1997. Lancaster's tenure peaked with back-to-back 13–5 seasons in 1994 and 1995, including a Western Final appearance in 1995, before a 11–7 mark in 1996 led to a loss to . In 1997, the Eskimos finished 12–6 and first in the West but were eliminated in the division semifinal by the . Departing as the franchise's winningest coach with an 83–43 regular-season record, Lancaster moved to the in November 1997, seeking new challenges in the East Division.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1998–2003, 2006)

Ron Lancaster was hired as of the on November 26, 1997, following his successful tenure with the Edmonton Eskimos, where he had led the team to a victory in 1993. In his first season in 1998, Lancaster guided the to a strong 12–5–1 regular-season record, securing first place in the East Division and advancing to the , though they lost to the . The following year, 1999, proved to be a pinnacle, as Hamilton finished 11–7 and won the 87th 32–21 against , with quarterback earning game MVP honors for his 347 passing yards and two touchdowns. Lancaster's early success in Hamilton emphasized developing young talent, particularly around veteran quarterback , who had joined from and became the focal point of the offense alongside receiver . The team posted competitive marks in 2000 (9–9) and 2001 (11–7), reaching the East Division final both years but falling short of another appearance. However, performance declined in 2002 with a 7–11 record, missing the , followed by a dismal 1–17 finish in 2003 amid injuries and roster instability. On December 11, 2003, Lancaster was fired as after the poor season, but new owner Bob Young transitioned him into a front-office role as to leverage his experience during the franchise's rebuilding phase. He remained in executive positions, including senior director of football operations, through organizational changes until August 2005, when he was reassigned amid ongoing team struggles. Lancaster returned to the sidelines in 2006 as interim head coach after the Tiger-Cats started 0–4 under Greg Marshall, who was dismissed; Lancaster then coached the remaining 14 games, finishing 4–10 overall for the season and emphasizing veteran leadership to instill discipline. Despite the lack of playoffs, his overall tenure with Hamilton—55–66–1 in regular-season games—provided stability during a turbulent period marked by ownership transitions and consistent Eastern Division contention in the late 1990s, helping to revitalize fan interest and lay groundwork for future competitiveness.

CFL coaching record summary

Ron Lancaster's head coaching career in the Canadian Football League spanned 16 seasons across three teams, compiling a regular-season record of 142 wins, 137 losses, and 1 tie. This total placed him fifth on the CFL's all-time list for regular-season victories at the time of his death in 2008. His playoff record as a was 7–10, highlighted by victories in 1993 with the Eskimos and 1999 with the , along with appearances in 1993 (win), 1998 (loss), and 1999 (win). The following table summarizes his regular-season records by team:
TeamYearsGamesWinsLossesTiesWinning Percentage
1979–1980324280.125
Edmonton Eskimos1991–199712683430.659
1998–2003, 200612255661.455
Total2801421371.508
These figures reflect Lancaster's ability to achieve sustained success, particularly with , where he earned CFL Coach of the Year honors in 1996 and 1998.

Broadcasting career

CBC CFL commentary (1980–1990)

Following his brief tenure as head coach of the from 1979 to 1980, Ron Lancaster transitioned to broadcasting and was hired by CBC as a colour commentator for its CFL coverage starting in 1980. This move marked the beginning of a decade-long role where he provided expert analysis for the network's national telecasts. Lancaster worked alongside play-by-play announcer Don Wittman and fellow colour commentator Leo Cahill from 1980 to 1985, forming a broadcasting team that covered weekly regular-season games and high-profile playoff matchups, including several Grey Cup championships such as the 1985 edition between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. After Cahill's departure, Lancaster and Wittman continued as a duo through 1990, with their broadcasts extending to the 1989 Grey Cup, where Lancaster's commentary complemented Wittman's calls during the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. This partnership was widely regarded as one of the most effective in Canadian football television history, praised for its seamless flow and engaging presentation. Leveraging his background as a Hall of Fame , Lancaster excelled in delivering insightful breakdowns of quarterback decisions and offensive strategies, explaining complex plays in a concise, articulate manner that made the game accessible to viewers. His analytical style was straightforward and honest—he would "tell it like it is" without personal attacks—earning him respect for authenticity while enhancing the educational value of the telecasts. This approach resonated during Lancaster's smooth adaptation from on-field roles to the media booth, where his passion for the CFL shone through in post-game discussions and sideline insights. The Wittman-Lancaster team contributed significantly to the CFL's popularity in the 1980s, a period of league growth fueled by competitive balance and national appeal, as their broadcasts helped sustain strong viewer engagement across . Lancaster's approachable demeanor and storytelling ability further boosted the broadcasts' appeal, making him a fan favorite and solidifying CBC's position as the premier CFL outlet during this era.

Additional media roles

Beyond his primary role as a colour commentator for CFL broadcasts on CBC, which provided a platform for expanded opportunities in sports media, Lancaster demonstrated versatility by serving as an analyst for men's coverage at the in , . In this capacity, he contributed insights during the games, drawing on his experience as a former athlete to analyze plays and strategies for Canadian viewers. His involvement highlighted CBC's trust in his broadcasting skills across different sports, marking a notable extension of his media contributions outside football. In his later years with the , Lancaster served as the radio colour commentator starting around 2004, providing analysis for the team's broadcasts until his death in 2008.

Later years, illness, and legacy

Personal life and family

Ron Lancaster was married to his , Bev, for 50 years. The couple had three children—Lana, Ron Jr., and Bob—and four grandchildren. His son Ron Jr. pursued a career in the CFL but died in 2013 at the age of 50. Born , Lancaster embraced as his adopted home and expressed deep pride in his ties to the country. Lancaster's family resided in , during his long tenure with the Roughriders, where they maintained a home on Road complete with a family room. His professional relocations prompted the family to move to , , in the 1990s and later to , where they settled into retirement.

Health struggles and death

In 2004, Lancaster was diagnosed with in March, underwent treatment that included the removal of his bladder, and achieved remission. Lancaster faced a second cancer diagnosis in 2008, when he learned he had earlier that year and began aggressive treatment with and in August. On September 18, 2008, Lancaster suffered a heart attack in , and died at the age of 69. Throughout his illness, Lancaster received support from his family, including his wife Bev and children Lana, Ron, and Bob.

Tributes, honors, and lasting impact

Following Ron Lancaster's death on September 18, 2008, the Canadian Football League (CFL) observed moments of silence and video tributes across all games that weekend to honor his contributions as a , and broadcaster. Media outlets widely eulogized him as "Mr. CFL" for his multifaceted role in elevating the league's profile and popularity over four decades. Tributes from players, coaches, and executives emphasized his approachable personality, storytelling prowess, and unwavering loyalty to the sport, with many describing him as a mentor who bridged generations in the CFL. Lancaster's honors include induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982 as a player, recognizing his record-setting passing career and leadership in five Grey Cup appearances with the . He was later enshrined in in 1985 for his overall impact on , and in the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame for his enduring connection to the province's sports culture. The retired his jersey upon his playing retirement in 1978, a distinction that underscores his status as the franchise's greatest and a symbol of resilience in Regina's football community. Posthumously, he received the CFL Commissioner's Award in 2008 for his special contributions to the league, presented to acknowledge his administrative work with the and broader influence. Lancaster's legacy profoundly shaped quarterback development in the CFL, where his coaching stints in and Hamilton emphasized player loyalty, strategic innovation, and on-field poise, helping elevate talents like to Hall of Fame caliber during the Eskimos' 1993 victory. As a broadcaster for CBC from 1981 to 1990, he set high standards for CFL commentary through insightful analysis and engaging narratives that made complex plays accessible to fans, a style that influenced subsequent generations of analysts and boosted national viewership. His influence on team cultures was particularly evident in , where he became a beloved icon who instilled pride and perseverance in a franchise long starved for success, and in , where his coaching tenure revived a dynasty by fostering disciplined, high-scoring offenses. Post-2008 recognitions have sustained Lancaster's impact, including a 2023 CBC retrospective highlighting his broadcasting innovations as integral to the CFL's media . Anniversaries of his career milestones, such as the 60th anniversary of his 1963 trade to in 2023, have prompted reflections on his role in building fan loyalty and league stability. Documentaries and books up to 2025 continue to portray him as a pivotal figure whose versatility—from the field to the booth—helped professionalize and popularize .

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