Ron Morris (Canadian football)

Ron Morris
Career information
Position(s)Defensive halfback, Offensive halfback, Punter, Split end
CollegeTulsa
Career history
As coach
1967–68BC Lions (assistant coach)
1967BC Lions (Interim Head Coach)
As player
1959–61Calgary Stampeders
1961–63Toronto Argonauts
1963–65BC Lions
Career highlights and awards
Grey Cup champion (52nd)
Records0–1–0

Ron Morris is a former professional football player and coach in the Canadian Football League who played for the Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, and BC Lions and served as the interim head coach of the Lions for one game in 1967.

Morris signed with the Stampeders in January 1959.[1] He was used by the Stamps as a running back,[2] defensive halfback,[3] and punter.[4] In 1961, he was purchased by the Toronto Argonauts for $350.[5] while playing for the Argos against the then defending champions of the 1960 Grey Cup ,Ottawa RoughRiders, he set a CFL playoff record by catching 4 touchdown passes from QB Tobin Rote.Morris is also credited with the second most points scored (24) and most touchdowns scored in a playoff game.[6] He was waived by Toronto in September 1963.[7] A week later he was claimed by the BC Lions to replace the injured Tom Larscheid.[8] While with BC, Morris was a member of the Lions team that won the 52nd Grey Cup.

In 1967, Morris joined the Lions coaching staff, coaching both the offensive and defensive halfbacks.[9] He served as the Lions' interim head coach for one game between the firing of Dave Skrien and the arrival of Jim Champion.[10] Morris' only game as head coach ended in an 18–17 loss to Toronto. He retired from coaching after the 1968 season to work in real estate.[11]

  1. ^ Hunter, Gorde (January 31, 1959). "One Man's Opinion". The Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  2. ^ "Lions Enter Playoffs". Canadian Press. October 26, 1959. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  3. ^ "Eskimos Sweep Calgary Aside". Canadian Press. November 7, 1960. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  4. ^ Hunter, Gorde (October 24, 1960). "One Man's Opinion". The Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  5. ^ "New Argos Morris Bargain of Season". Canadian Press. November 17, 1961. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  6. ^ CFL Guide and Record book 2017 edition
  7. ^ Hunter, Gorde (September 21, 1963). "Gorde Hunter". The Calgary Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  8. ^ "Lions Claim Ron Morris". Canadian Press. September 25, 1963. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  9. ^ "Ron Morris Joins Lions". Canadian Press. January 19, 1967. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  10. ^ Taylor, Jim (August 16, 1967). "Champion Gets Head Coach Job". The Sun (Vancouver). Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  11. ^ "Morris Packs Up Coaching". Canadian Press. December 5, 1968. Retrieved April 30, 2011.