Phil Roberts, a respected Canadian football coach and longtime educator, died on October 12, 2026, at the age of 70. His death was announced by McGill University Athletics, which remembered him for a coaching career spanning five decades and his dedication to developing young athletes.
A native of Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Roberts was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His passing has prompted tributes from universities and football programs across Canada.
Roberts played linebacker for McGill University from 1975 to 1978 and also played varsity hockey. He graduated from McGill in 1979 with a degree in physical education.
His playing career included being selected by the British Columbia Lions in the fifth round of the 1978 Canadian Football League draft. He attended training camps with the Lions and Montreal Alouettes before completing his university football eligibility at Concordia University.
Roberts subsequently built a long coaching career, working with university, college, junior and professional football programs. His appointments included Concordia University, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Queen’s University, the Ottawa Renegades and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
One of the most successful periods of Roberts’ career came at Vanier College in Montreal, where he served as head coach of the Cheetahs from 1987 to 1991.
During his tenure, the team won three provincial Bol d’Or championships. Roberts became known for his ability to develop competitive teams while helping young players progress in the sport.
His influence extended beyond the college game, with a career built around mentoring athletes and contributing to football programs over several generations.
Roberts joined the Queen’s University Gaels coaching staff in 2013, serving as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.
Based in Ottawa, he regularly drove to Kingston three times a week to volunteer with the team. His commitment earned him the Ontario University Athletics Volunteer Coach of the Year award following the 2016 season.
That same year, he received the Gino Fracas Award as U SPORTS’ national volunteer assistant football coach of the year. The honour recognized his contribution to Canadian university football and the time he devoted to supporting student-athletes.
Even after decades in the sport, Roberts continued coaching young athletes. Most recently, he spent five seasons as defensive coordinator for the Cornwall Wildcats’ under-18 team in the Ontario Summer Football League.
The role reflected his ongoing commitment to youth development and mentoring coaches. Rather than stepping away from football after his university coaching years, he continued sharing his experience with younger generations.
Football was only one part of Roberts’ professional life. He spent 31 years working in education as a teacher and guidance counsellor in Montreal and Ottawa.
He worked for 12 years with the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal before moving to Ottawa, where he spent another 19 years in the public school system. His work included supporting young people at Shawbridge Youth Centre and serving as a guidance counsellor at Colonel By Secondary School from 1992 until his retirement in June 2010.
His experience as an educator complemented his work as a coach, allowing him to support young people both in the classroom and on the field.
Former teammates and coaching colleagues remembered Roberts as someone who cared deeply about the people he coached.
Pat Sheahan, who worked with Roberts at Queen’s and had previously been associated with McGill football, praised his remarkable dedication and long career. Former McGill quarterback Vic Pywowarczuk remembered him as a memorable teammate and a coach who cared about players as individuals and maintained relationships with them over time.
These tributes highlight a legacy built not only on championships and awards, but also on personal connections with athletes and colleagues.
McGill University Athletics reported that Roberts is survived by his daughters Meagan, Amy and Michelle, his adopted son Abraham, and his granddaughter Anna.
At the time of the university’s announcement, funeral and memorial arrangements had not yet been released. Updates are expected through official university communications or family announcements.
Phil Roberts leaves a lasting mark on Canadian football and education. From his playing days at McGill and Concordia to his championship teams at Vanier College, his volunteer work at Queen’s and his later coaching with the Cornwall Wildcats, he remained committed to helping young people grow.
His 2016 Gino Fracas Award recognized the dedication he brought to university football, while his decades in education reflected the same investment in the next generation.
As former players, colleagues and students remember him, his legacy will continue through the many people he coached, taught and mentored throughout his life.
