Norman Kimball
Fooball Builder - Inducted 2011
Norman Kimball’s leadership in the early 1960s set the groundwork for the establishment of the Alberta Football Coaches Association that evolved into the Alberta Amateur Football Association and then into Football Alberta. In 1961, Norman began working for the Edmonton Eskimos organization as the minor football coordinator. His involvement continued up to 1986, whereas general manager and then executive manager, he had built the Eskimos into one of North America’s pre-eminent pro sports organizations and led the team to an unprecedented run of nine Grey Cup appearances in ten years, with six Grey Cup victories. Norman Kimball was selected to the Edmonton Eskimo Wall of Honour in 1990, the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
In 1960, Norman Kimball was the driving force behind the first Northern Alberta Football Coaches Association coach’s clinics. He was also a key member in the creation of the Annual Alberta Coaches Clinic. In 1971 Norman was awarded the Life Membership Hall of Fame Award at the Football Alberta Coaches Award Banquet. Football Alberta also created the Norm Kimball Coach of the Year Award in his honour.
Born in Edmonton, Norman Kimball’s affiliation with the Edmonton Eskimos began in 1961 when he became their minor football coordinator. Norman used his management skills to build a team and staff that laid the basis for an unprecedented Edmonton Eskimos Grey Cup run. The USA and Canadian scouting systems that he set up were directly responsible for the excellent talent to which the Eskimos had access. “Talent builds teams”.
From 1971-1974, Norman Kimball was Chairman of the CFL General Managers. He made a significant contribution while serving on numerous committees. In 1975 he headed the Player Relations Committee which negotiated agreements with the CFL Players' Association. On March 4, 1986 he became part owner, president and Chief Operating Officer of the Montreal Football Club. He remained with the Montreal organization until the team folded on June 24, 1987.
