The CFL community is saddened by the passing of Larry Donovan, former head coach of the B.C. Lions, who was 84. The Lions announced his death on Monday but no cause was given. Donovan’s impact as a coach and mentor lives on with those who played for and worked with him.
A Football Life
From Special Teams to Head Coach
Larry Donovan joined the B.C. Lions in 1986 as special-teams and defensive-line coach. His leadership skills were evident and he was promoted to interim head coach on October 30, 1987 after Don Matthews was let go. Donovan didn’t waste any time making an impact, leading the Lions to a 4-game win streak that gave them the West Division top spot.
The next season Donovan led the Lions to a 10-8 record and a Grey Cup appearance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Although they lost 22-21, Donovan’s time in the CFL was cemented.
Fired and Back to Coaching
Donovan was let go as head coach four games into the 1989 season after an 0-4 start. But he stayed in football, coaching the linebackers for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1990-91 under Don Matthews, his predecessor in B.C.
Beyond the CFL: A Global Impact
Donovan’s coaching career went far beyond North America. From 1992 to 2007, he coached the Japanese X League Hurricanes, leaving a lasting mark on the sport in Japan. He was a training camp coach and consultant for the Asahi Beverage Challengers in Osaka in 2010.
Before coming to Canada, Donovan was an assistant coach at several U.S. universities, including South Dakota, Washington State, Iowa and Kansas. He was also the head coach at the University of Montana from 1980 to 1985 where he led the Grizzlies to the 1982 Big Sky Conference championship. In six seasons he was 25-38-1.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Military Service and Leadership
Born in Casper, Wyoming, Donovan was more than just a football coach. He was a commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving two years of active duty in Oklahoma and Korea. He received a commendation medal in Korea. Even while coaching at South Dakota, Donovan was a member of the National Guard.
Legacy on and Off the Field
Jamie Taras, the Lions’ director of community partnerships and a former player under Donovan, said:
“Throughout his time here, Larry impacted everyone in our organization. He always had great energy and it trickled down to the rest of the team. Our thoughts are with his wife Georgia, their three daughters and the whole family.”