Minnesota Vikings

Vikings OL Coach Tony Sparano Dies, Team Announces

Tony Sparano had been with the Minnesota Vikings since 2016

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.

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. 

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