EAGAN, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings say offensive line coach Tony Sparano has died at the age of 56.
The Vikings say Sparano died early Sunday but did not give a cause of death. He had been the Vikings' offensive line coach since 2016.
Sparano began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.
He was the Dolphins' head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with the Dolphins.
Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins, Jaguars, Cowboys and 49ers.
He played at the University of New Haven where he was a four-year letterman. Sparano was hired as New Haven's head coach in 1994 and held that position for five seasons.
Sparano is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.
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Jim McIsaac
<p>EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins in action against the New York Jets on October 17, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 24-6.. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)</p>
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