Older fans may remember Jerry Burns, the longtime offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, who eventually took over as head coach from 1986 to 1991. Burns, who previously served as the OC from 1968 to 1985, a resume of coaching consistency rarely found in any sport anymore, only posted one losing season as a head coach and guided the Vikings to the 1987 NFC Championship game.
But Burns, who passed away last Wednesday at the age of 94, may have seen his opportunities come too late and he retired from football 30 years ago.