Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Coach Tony Sparano Died At 56

Tony Sparano, former Miami Dolphins head coach and current Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach, has died unexpectedly at the age of 56, the Vikings reported on Sunday.

Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf issued a statement in which they said, “Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony. Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony’s presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts.”

The exact cause of Sparano’s death has not yet been revealed to the public. However, reports indicate that he was hospitalized on Thursday, July 19 due to chest pains and was released the next day.

Sparano had been an NFL coach for nearly 20 years prior to his passing, and he was perhaps best known for his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. Sparano was given the Dolphins head coaching job following the 2007 season, in which the team finished with a 1-15 record. During the following season, he led Miami to an 11-5 record, becoming the only first-year head coach in NFL history to lead a team to the playoffs following a one-win season. Sparano finished his tenure with the Dolphins after posting a 29-32 record over the course of four seasons.

Prior to his passing, Sparano was entering into his third season as the Vikings offensive line coach under head coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer expressed his condolences in statement, saying that he loves Sparano.

Several of Sparano’s current and former players took to Twitter to offer their condolences as well.

Sparano is survived by his wife Jeanette, his three children, and his four grandchildren.