Vikings Coach Tony Sparano Is Dead

Tony Sparano, Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach and former Dallas Cowboys assistant

coach died Sunday at the age of 56, told CBSDFW.COM.

Sparano had successfully coached the team’s offensive line coach since 2016.

Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf expressed in a statement that “Tony’s presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed.”

Tony Sparano started his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had a task as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.

Sparano was hired in 2003 by Cowboys’ head coach Bill Parcells and spent five seasons with the team as he rose from tight ends coach to assistant head coach.

He was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. 

He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with Miami.

Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins, Jaguars and 49ers.

Sparano played at the University of New Haven when he was a four-year letterman. 

He was hired as New Haven’s head coach in 1994 and held that position for five seasons.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.