Frank “Pop” Ivy

Frank “Pop” Ivy didn’t just win football games—he changed the way they were played. Arriving from Oklahoma in 1954 to coach Edmonton in the Western Interprovincial Football Union, which later became the CFL, Ivy immediately built a powerhouse. Over four seasons, he compiled a remarkable 50-14 record and led Edmonton to three straight Grey Cup championship. A fearless innovator, Ivy introduced the twin fullback system, the short kickoff, and the “Lonesome Quarterback” formation, now recognized as the shotgun offence used throughout today’s CFL. His bold decision to move quarterback Jackie Parker to halfback for the 1956 Grey Cup helped power Edmonton to a 50-27 victory over Montreal. The only coach to work in the AFL, CFL, and NFL, Ivy finished with a .781 winning percentage, which is the highest of all time in our league’s history.

Awards/Honours

• Grey Cup Champion
  1954, 1955, 1956