Vikings offensive line coach Sparano dies

Tony Sparano, the Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach and former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has died. He was 56. The Vikings announced Sparano's passing on Sunday afternoon. KSTP reported that Sparano died Sunday morning at his home. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Sparano went to a hospital with chest pains on Thursday and was released the following day after tests were performed. Sparano and his wife, Jeanette, were preparing to go to church on Sunday morning when she found him unconscious in the kitchen. She attempted CPR but was unable to revive him, per Mortensen. "Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony," Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. "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. "We are only thinking of Tony's family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts." Vikings general manager Rick Spielman offered the following after learning of Sparano's passing: "I am at a loss for words with Tony's sudden passing. Tony loved the game of football and his players. More importantly, he was a strong man of faith who treasured his family. My heart is with the Sparanos today. As an organization we will support them in whatever ways we can." Vikings coach Mike Zimmer credited Sparano's work ethic on the field as well as his caring nature off it on Sunday. "I love Tony Sparano," Zimmer said. "He was a great teacher, a grinder of a worker and had a toughness and fighting spirit that showed in our linemen. He was a great husband, father and grandfather and a great friend to me. This is just sinking in for us but Tony will be sorely missed by all." Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and wide receiver Adam Thielen expressed their sympathies on social media. "Thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Sparano, his family and everyone in the @Vikings organization," Rudolph wrote. "Life's precious and we just never know when it's our time. RIP Coach." "Really tough to see this, so much respect for this guy, great coach and great person! You will be missed by so many, thoughts and prayers to your family! RIP Coach," Thielen wrote. Sparano was named the head coach of the Dolphins in 2008 and turned around a 1-15 team by leading Miami to an 11-5 mark and a postseason berth. He posted a 29-32 record during his four seasons in Miami. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Coach Tony Sparano," the Dolphins wrote on Twitter. "Heart broken and lost for words!" former Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline wrote on Twitter. "So glad I got to see you and tell you how much you meant to me a month ago." Sparano served as the Oakland Raiders' interim head coach in 2014 after the team fired Dennis Allen. The Raiders were 3-9 under his watch. He began his NFL coaching career in 1999, serving as an offensive quality control coach with the Cleveland Browns. He also had coaching stints with the Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. "Our deepest condolences are with Coach Sparano's family and the entire Vikings organization," the Jets wrote on social media. "The 49ers organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Sparano," the team wrote on Twitter. "Sharing heartfelt condolences with the Sparano family and the Minnesota Vikings. Rest in peace, Coach." "The Washington Redskins send their deepest condolences to the Sparano family and the entire Vikings organization," the Redskins wrote. "Rest in peace, Coach." Sparano began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater of the University of New Haven in 1984. He became the head coach of the Chargers a decade later and guided them to the NCAA Division II championship game in 1997. Sparano is survived by his wife, sons Tony and Andrew, daughter Ryan Leigh and four grandchildren.