Rita was born on Kauai, one of the islands of Hawaii and played collegiate football at Boise State. After completing his college football playing career, he joined his alma mater’s coaching staff. Rita spent 12 years coaching at Boise State University, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the University of Hawaii.
He then joined the CFL in 1983 as an offensive coordinator with the B.C. Lions. In just two years at the helm of the Lions’ offense, the team won the Grey Cup. In 1991, Rita was named head coach of the Toronto Argonauts where he immediately led the team to a league-best record of 13-5 and the Grey Cup. In 2004, Rita was named general manager of the Argonauts, and in his first year on the job again led the Argonauts to the Grey Cup.
Rita lives in Mississauga, Ontario with wife Judy and has two sons, Kevin and Harrison, one granddaughter, Jennifer and one grandson, Seth.
Career history | |
---|---|
As administrator | |
1997–2002 | BC Lions (GM) |
2004–2010 | Toronto Argonauts (GM) |
As coach | |
1969–1976 | Boise State Broncos (AC) |
1977–1978 | UNLV Rebels (AC) |
1979–1982 | Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (AC) |
1983–1988 | BC Lions (OC) |
1989 | UBC Thunderbirds (HC) |
1990 | Toronto Argonauts (OC) |
1991–1992 | Toronto Argonauts (HC) |
1993 | Edmonton Eskimos (OC) |
1994 | Ottawa Rough Riders (HC) |
1995 | Memphis Mad Dogs (OC) |
1996 | Toronto Argonauts (OC) |
1997–1998 | BC Lions (HC) |
2002 | BC Lions (IHC) |
2003 | Toronto Argonauts (OC) |
2012–2015 | Trinity College School (AC/OC) |
2012 | Prague Panthers (HC) |
2013–2014 | Calanda Broncos (HC) |
2016; 2018-present | Clarkson Secondary School (AC/OC) |
2018–2019 | Bergamo Lions (HC/OC) |
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