Vikings assistant coach Tony Sparano dies
Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died unexpectedly July 22, the team announced.
Sparano, 56, had coached with Minnesota since 2016. He began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and held head coaching positions with the Miami Dolphins (2008-11) and the Oakland Raiders (2014).
He also coached various stints with the Jets, Cowboys, Jaguars, Browns and Redskins.
Sparano died of natural causes from arteriosclerotic heart disease, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office said in a release, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony,” the Vikings’ announcement on behalf of owners Mark and Zygi Wilf read. “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.”
ESPN reported that Sparano’s wife found him unconscious in the family kitchen July 22. Last week, ESPN said, Sparano went to the hospital for tests after complaining of chest pains. He was released the next day.
“I love Tony Sparano,” head coach Mike Zimmer said. “He was a great teacher, a grinder of a worker and had a toughness and fighting spirit that showed in our linemen.”
Sparano is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his two sons, Tony and Andrew, his daughter, Ryan Leigh, and four grandchildren.
“Thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Sparano, his family and everyone in the @Vikings organization.. life’s precious and we just never know when it’s our time.. RIP Coach..” tweeted tight end Kyle Rudolph.