Frank James Clair (May 12, 1917 – April 3, 2005) was a coach in the Canadian Football League, nicknamed "the Professor" for his ability to recognize and develop talent. Clair is the 3rd most successful head coach in the CFL with 147 wins and the most successful head coach in the post-season with 27 victories. As a result, he won the Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL's coach of the year in 1966 and 1969.
In 1956, he joined the Ottawa Rough Riders. As coach, Clair led them to Grey Cup Championships in 1960, 1968 and 1969. After retiring from coaching following the 1969 season, became the team's general manager, where they won Grey Cups in 1973 and 1976. After he was let go in 1978, the team won no more Grey Cups. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
The stadium at Lansdowne Park was renamed Frank Clair Stadium in his honour on April 8, 1993. Retired, Clair lived in retirement and died in Sarasota, Florida. He was survived by his wife Patricia and daughter Robin.[3]
Head coaching record[]
College[]
Year
Team
Overall
Conference
Standing
Bowl/playoffs
Coaches#
AP°
1948
Buffalo
6-1-1
1949
Buffalo
6-3
Total:
12-4-1
†Indicates BCS bowl, Bowl Alliance or Bowl Coalition game. #Rankings from final Coaches' Poll.