It is with great sadness the Calgary Stampeders learn of the death of Rich Stubler, a longtime Canadian Football League coach who was the Red and White’s defensive coordinator for two years including a Grey Cup-championship season in 2014. He was 74.

Stubler’s coaching career covered a half-century and included CFL stops in Hamilton, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal and BC as well as Calgary, earning a total of five Grey Cup rings. He also coached in the U.S. college ranks and in arena football.

Stubler was named Calgary’s defensive coordinator prior to the 2014 season and over two seasons in that position, the Stamps boasted one of the stingiest defences in the CFL. Calgary allowed 347 points in 2014 and 346 in 2015, finishing second in the league in that category in each of those seasons.

“Rich was a football junkie,” said Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson. “He lived his life to the fullest. We will miss his spirit but we are thankful to have had him as part of our Stampeders family.”