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Coach Tony Sparano spent one season as the San Francisco 49ers' tight ends coach in 2015 under head coach Jim Tomsula. He spent the past two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings, who announced his unexpected passing on Sunday.
"Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony," said Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf via 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."
Sparano started his NFL coaching career in 1999 and spent four seasons (2008-11) as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and 2014 as the interim head coach of the Oakland Raiders. He was 56 years old and is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
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