Former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano dies unexpectedly at age 56

Miami (CBS12) — Former Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano died Sunday at the age of 56. The Minnesota Vikings, where Sparano had served as offensive line coach since 2016, announced Sparano’s death in a statement. No cause of death was provided.

Sparano was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008 to 2011, and had quick success in year one, turning a one win season in 2007 into a 11-5 playoff team in 2008. Sparano had a 29–32 record as head coach in Miami before being let go late in the 2011 season.

Sparano has also been on the coaching staff of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, and Vikings.

The Dolphins reacted on Twitter Sunday afternoon, tweeting “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Coach Tony Sparano.”