The Minnesota Vikings announced on Saturday that Bud Grant, widely considered the greatest coach in franchise history, has died. Grant was 95.
A cause of death has not yet been made public.
“We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at age 95,” the Vikings’ official account tweeted. “We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news.”
We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at age 95.
We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. pic.twitter.com/z2NNlNAY44
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2023
Grant played two NFL seasons as a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles. But his most profound impact on the game came as a coach.
Grant took over as coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 1967, the first season after the merger between the AFL and NFL. He led the franchise to an NFL Championship and Super Bowl appearance in 1969, earning Coach of the Year honors from the AP that season.
Grant would go on to shepherd the Vikings to three more NFC titles in 1973, ’74 and ’76. Grant could never get a win in the big game, however, falling in all four of his appearances.
Grant coached the Vikings through the 1985 season, accumulating a record of 158-96-5 during his career. He remains the franchise leader in games coached, wins and playoff appearances. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1994.
Grant remained a consultant for the Vikings and had an office at the team’s headquarters until his passing. He famously took the field in a short-sleeve polo shirt prior to the Vikings’ Wild Card loss to the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 despite the -6 degree temperature.
Bud Grant at age 88, no coat and no sleeves for the coin toss in -6 degree weather! #TheRealBeastMide pic.twitter.com/dSuXQYoIdv
— Carlos Lynn (@CarlosLynn) January 10, 2016
Our thoughts go out to Grant’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace, coach.
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Publish Date:2023-03-12 01:34:56
