Vince Tobin, who led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff victory in 51 years in 1998, has died. He was 79 years old.
The Cardinals said Tobin died Monday morning at his Arizona home.
«Our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, and in particular his wife Kathy and their family,» Cardinals owner Michal Bidwill said in a statement. «As head coach of the Cardinals, his consistent leadership was a constant and a big part of the success the team enjoyed during his tenure.»
Tobin was hired in 1996 to replace Buddy Ryan and took over a team that featured future Hall of Fame defenseman Aeneas Williams and quarterback Jake Plummer.
PHOENIX PURCHASES LAND TO PROVIDE A STRUCTURED CAMP FOR THE CITY’S GROWING HOMELESS POPULATION
Former Arizona Cardinals coach Vince Tobin has died at the age of 79.
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The Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time since 1982 by winning their final three games of the 1998 season and beat the Dallas Cowboys for their first postseason victory since 1948.
Tobin went 28-43 in four seasons as Arizona’s coach.
Born in Burlington Junction, Missouri, Tobin played defensive back at the University of Missouri and served as defensive coordinator at his alma mater from 1971-1976.
After stints in the Canadian Football League and the USFL, Tobin was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 1986-1992. He was also the defensive coordinator for Indianapolis from 1995-1996 and coached in Detroit and Green Bay following his tenure at Arizona. .