| This article relies largely or entirely upon a single source. (August 2010) |
| Date of birth: | July 13, 1954 |
| Place of birth: | Woodbridge, New Jersey |
| Career information | |
|---|---|
| Status: | Retired |
| CFL status: | Import |
| Position(s): | LB |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| College: | North Carolina State |
| High school: | Colonia |
| Organizations | |
| As administrator: | |
| 1994–1996 1997–2001 2001–2004 2008–Present |
Edmonton Eskimos (Asst. GM) Edmonton Eskimos (GM/COO) Edmonton Eskimos (GM) CFL Director of Officiating |
| As coach: | |
| 1982–1984 1985–1987 1988 1989–1990 1991–1992 1993 2001–2004 2005–2007 |
University of Calgary (HC) Calgary Stampeders (DL coach) Calgary Stampeders (OL coach) Calgary Stampeders (OC) Calgary Stampeders (DL coach) Calgary Stampeders (Asst. HC) Edmonton Eskimos (HC) Calgary Stampeders (HC) |
| As player: | |
| 1976–1978 1979 1980 |
Calgary Stampeders Buffalo Bills Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Awards: | 2003 Annis Stukus Trophy 2005 Annis Stukus Trophy |
| Playing stats at NFL.com | |
Thomas Joseph John Higgins Jr. (born July 13, 1954 in Colonia, New Jersey) is the Director of Officiating for the Canadian Football League and a former Canadian and American football player and coach.
Early years[]
Higgins, the son of a former Philadelphia Eagles tackle, Tom Higgins, Sr., was a high school football standout at Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.[1] He played linebacker at North Carolina State University. He was an All-American and was a starter in four consecutive bowl games. He was also an All-American wrestler at NC State.
Professional playing career[]
After graduating from college in 1976, Higgins attempted to enter the National Football League, but was not selected in the 1976 NFL Draft. He instead played in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders for three years. In 1979, Higgins was signed by the Buffalo Bills and played one year in the United States, before returning to Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL.
Coaching career[]
After retiring as a player, Higgins began coaching at the University of Calgary, winning the 1983 CIS title in the second of his three years as head coach. In 1985, Higgins joined the Stampeders coaching staff, serving in many different capacities until becoming a head coach in 2001.
Higgins became head coach of the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos that year, leading the team to the playoffs in each of his fourth season. In 2002 and 2003, he won division titles, and he won a single Grey Cup as a head coach, with the Eskimos in 2003.
In 2005 he returned to the Calgary Stampeders as head coach. He held this position for three years, making the playoffs in each, but with the team's record also declining each season. He was fired after a first round loss during the 2007 playoffs. Higgins is currently Head of Officiating in the CFL.
CFL coaching record[]
| Team | Year | Regular Season | Post Season | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | Finish | Won | Lost | Result | |||
| EDM | 2001 | 9 | 9 | 0 | .500 | 1st in West Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Finals | |
| EDM | 2002 | 13 | 5 | 0 | .722 | 1st in West Division | 1 | 1 | Lost in Grey Cup | |
| EDM | 2003 | 13 | 5 | 0 | .722 | 1st in West Division | 2 | 0 | Won Grey Cup | |
| EDM | 2004 | 9 | 9 | 0 | .500 | 2nd in West Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Semi-Finals | |
| CGY | 2005 | 11 | 7 | 0 | .611 | 2nd in West Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Semi-Finals | |
| CGY | 2006 | 10 | 8 | 0 | .556 | 2nd in West Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Semi-Finals | |
| CGY | 2007 | 7 | 10 | 1 | .417 | 3rd in West Division | 0 | 1 | Lost in Division Semi-Finals | |
| Total | 72 | 53 | 1 | .571 | 3 Division Championship |
3 | 6 | 1 Grey Cup | ||
Personal[]
He has a wife and three children, one of whom is also named Thomas. His two others named Holly and Hilary. His brother, Dan Higgins, played football at North Carolina State, as well. He is currently the head football coach at Piscataway High School in New Jersey. Tom and Dan's father, Tom Higgins, played in the NFL for the Chicago Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. Tom Sr. was a legendary coach at Piscataway High School prior to his son, Dan, coaching there. Tom Sr. resides in Piscataway with his wife, Sedora.
References[]
- ↑ Tom Higgins, database Football. Accessed November 14, 2007.
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Matt Dunigan |
Calgary Stampeders Head Coaches 2005–2007 |
Succeeded by John Hufnagel |
| Preceded by Don Matthews |
Edmonton Eskimos Head Coaches 2001–2004 |
Succeeded by Danny Maciocia |
| Awards | ||
| Preceded by Don Matthews |
Grey Cup winning Head Coach 91st Grey Cup, 2003 |
Succeeded by Pinball Clemons |
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