Tony Sparano, a former NFL head coach and most recently the offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 56.
The team announced Sparano’s sudden death on Sunday morning. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Sparano, who had served as a coach with the Vikings since 2016, also had head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders, posting a career record of 32-41. From 2003 to 2007, Sparano was an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys.
Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, released a statement Sunday. "We were saddened to learn of Tony Sparano's tragic and unexpected passing today. Tony made an indelible impact on our team's history and his toughness, grit and leadership were evident to everyone who had the chance to coach with or play for him. On behalf of the entire Dolphins organization, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to his wife Jeanette and the entire Sparano family."
Sparano was born in West Haven, Conn. He went to the University of New Haven where he started for all four years for the UNH Chargers. Sparano later served as the UNH head football coach for five seasons before moving to the NFL.
Sparano is survived by his wife Jeanette and their three children.
