Don Holtby

Don Holtby (March 20, 1937–January 16, 2005) was a Canadian professional football coach and executive who served as general manager of the Ottawa Rough Riders and president and head coach of the Ottawa Sooners.

Early life Holtby was born on March 20, 1937, in Ottawa, Ontario. He attended High School of Commerce and was quarterback of the football team. He played five seasons of junior football and tried out for the Ottawa Rough Riders as a receiver and defensive back in 1958.

Football Ottawa Sooners Holtby began his coaching career in 1961 as an assistant with the Ottawa Sooners. He served as the team's head coach from 1962 to 1964 and again from 1967 to 1970. He led the team to the Little Grey Cup national championship game in 1968 and 1969, but they lost to the Saskatoon Hilltops both times. He was the Sooners' president and from 1971 to 1980. During Holtby's tenure as president, the team reached the Little Grey Cup four times (1973, 1974, 1978, and 1979), winning twice ('74 and '79). During his tenure, the Rough Riders amassed a 22-43-1 record. Allan Waters sold the Rough Riders after the 1986 season and Holtby resigned to work for Waters' radio station - CFRA.

In 1990, Holtby was inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame. He later became the vice president and director of sales for CHUM Limited.

Later life Holtby left CHUM in April 2004 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He died on January 16, 2005, of pneumonia.