TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) – Vince Tobin, who coached the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff win in 51 years in 1998, has died. He was 79.
The Cardinals said Tobin died Monday morning at his Arizona home.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, especially his wife Kathy and their family,” Cardinals owner Michal Bidwill said in a statement. “As the Cardinals head coach, his consistent leadership has been a constant and a big part of the success the team has enjoyed during his tenure.”
Tobin was hired in 1996 to replace Buddy Ryan, taking over a team consisting of future Hall of Famer defenseman Aeneas Williams and quarterback Jake Plummer.
The Cardinals made the playoffs for the first time since 1982 by winning their final three games of the 1998 season and defeating the Dallas Cowboys for their first postseason win since 1948.
Tobin went 28-43 in four seasons as Arizona’s coach.
Tobin was born in Burlington Junction, Missouri. He played defensive back at the University of Missouri and was defensive coordinator at his alma mater from 1971 to 1976.
After stints in the Canadian Football League and the USFL, Tobin was defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 1986 to 1992. He was also Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator from 1995-1996 and coached in Detroit and Green Bay after his time in Arizona.
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”