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Former Minnesota Vikings coach Jerry Burns dies at age 94
MINNEAPOLIS Jerry Burns, the colorful character who took over as the Minnesota Vikings coach in a time of turmoil and led the team to three playoff berths, has died. He was 94.
The team announced Burns death. Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Burns son-in-law informed him of Burns death Wednesday morning.
Burns helped the Green Bay Packers win the first two Super Bowls as defensive backs coach, then joined iconic Vikings coach Bud Grant as Minnesota s offensive coordinator in 1968. Burns held the position until 1985 and became head coach in 1986, following Les Steckel s 3-13 season in 1984 and Grant s 7-9 campaign in 1985 when he was coaxed out of retirement.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Jerry Burns, the colorful character who took over as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach in a time of turmoil and led the team to three playoff berths in six seasons, has died. He was 94. The team announced Burns’ death. Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Burns’ son-in-law informed him of Burns’ death Wednesday morning.
(Twitter)
Hall of Fame Head Coach and fellow Vikings Ring of Honor member Bud Grant enjoyed a deep relationship with Burns that extended before and after their time together on the Vikings sidelines. Following Burns s death Grant issued the following statement: I met Burnsie at Iowa when he picked me up from the airport when I was visiting down there, and from that point on, we started talking football and never stopped. We were on the same page a lot. When I went to Winnipeg, I d have him come up as a guest coach. Our friendship grew over the years, and we became very close friends and so did our families. When I got the job in Minnesota, I talked to him about coming here, but he had a contract with Green Bay. The first year I was at the Vikings, I coached one guy short. I was holding the job for Burnsie until he could come the next year. He was a very astute football mind. He could see things on the field immediately. He was as important to my career as anyone I ve been invol