The Winnipeg Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Blue Bombers player and head coach Bud Grant today at the age of 95.
“Bud Grant is a Blue Bombers icon who set the standard as a coach in the Canadian Football League in Winnipeg and later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer in the same role with the Minnesota Vikings,” said Winnipeg Football Club President & CEO Wade Miller. “His teams were tough, disciplined, intelligent and won consistently, as evidenced by the Grey Cup championships won during his tenure.
“The WFC offers its deepest condolences to the Grant family and his many friends and former players, both here in Winnipeg and in Minnesota.”
Grant came to Winnipeg in 1953 as a wide receiver/defensive back and was an all-star in 1953, 1954 and 1956. He went from playing directly to the sidelines after being named head coach in 1957 and over the next 10 seasons guided the Blue Bombers to six Grey Cup appearances and four championships, in 1958, 1959, 1961 and 1962.
A Blue Bombers legend, Grant is the winningest coach in franchise history with a record of 102-56-2 in the regular season. A bronze statue of Grant sits in front of the Bomber Store at IG Field to honour the man.
