Former CFL head coach Charlie Taaffe passes away at age 69

Former Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Charlie Taaffe has passed away, according to Montreal Gazette reporter Herb Zurkowsky.

I’m told Charlie Taaffe, head coach of #AlsMTL in 1999-2000, passed away Tuesday night of cancer. He was 69. I’m filled with wonderful memories of one of the best people I knew in football. May he rest in peace

— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) October 30, 2019

Taaffe first came onto the CFL scene in 1997 as the offensive coordinator for the Als, a position he held for two seasons. Prior to the 1999 season, Taffe was promoted to head coach in La Belle Province.

He produced a 24-12 regular season record with Montreal, winning the East Division title two straight years. During his first two seasons as the Als bench boss, Taaffe was named CFL coach of the year, the first in the history of the three-down league to accomplish the feat.

Following the 2006 season,  Taaffe was hired by the Ticats as head coach. He went 3-15 in year on and 2-8 the following campaign before being relieved of his duties. Taaffe finished his CFL coaching career with a 29-35 regular season record and 1-2 in the post-season.