Vikings OL coach Tony Sparano has died

The Minnesota Vikings announced the tough news on Sunday that offensive line coach Tony Sparano has died at the age of 56.

In a statement announcing the shocking news, the team said that Sparano unexpectedly passed on Sunday morning.

“Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony,” the Vikings’ owners said in a statement. “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.”

Sparano leaves behind his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.

The 56-year-old has been Minnesota’s offensive line coach since 2016. He was best known for his four-year stint as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-2011. In his head coaching debut in 2008, the team went 11-5 and made the playoffs, riding the tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to success on offense.