Back to the New Orleans Saints Newsfeed

Tony Sparano, NFL coach, dies unexpectedly at 56

EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died Sunday at the age of 56, the team said.

The team announced Sparano's death in a statement that did not provide a cause. Sparano had been the Vikings' offensive line coach since 2016.

"Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren," Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in the statement. "Tony's presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed."

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