The coach of the Vikings offensive line dies

The Viking offensive line coach and former Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano died suddenly at the age of 56 on Sunday, the team's management said. Minnesota.

"With deep regret, the Minnesota Vikings report that the coach of the offensive line, Tony Sparano, died suddenly this morning," said a statement released on behalf of the team's owners. Mark and Zygi Wilf, not to mention the cause of death.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman added, "I have no words to describe Tony's sudden passing, Tony loved football and his players," Spielman said.

Spielman added, "Most importantly, he was a man of faith who loved his family, my heart is with the Sparanos today, as an organization, we will support them with every possible way. "

Sparano was to begin his third season as a coach of the Vikings offensive line under the direction of Mike Zimmer.

His two-decade career as an NFL coach began in 1999, when he was hired for the technical staff of the Cleveland Browns franchise.

After several assistant coaching positions with several NFL teams, the Dolphins made Sparano their head coach in 2008 after a season with a 1-15 record.

He led Miami to an 11-5 record and a first-place finish in the Eastern Division of the American Conference in 2008, becoming the first NFL history coach to lead a playoff team after a campaign with only one victory.

Sparano also served as interim coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2014, after the team fired Dennis Allen.

ESPN reports that Sparano's wife, Jeanette, found him unconscious in the Sunday morning family kitchen.

On Thursday, ESPN stated that Sparano went to the hospital for exams after being complained of chest pain.

"Devastated to hear the news about what happened to coach Sparano," said New Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins, on Twitter. "Pray for his family in this difficult time," he added.