Tony Sparano reportedly tabbed as Vikings O-line coach

Tony Sparano will reportedly join the Minnesota Vikings’ staff as offensive line coach.

Mike Zimmer is reportedly bringing one of his old pals on-board to coach the Vikings offensive line. Sid Hartman of the StarTribune was first to report that Zimmer has tabbed Tony Sparano to replace out-going coach Jeff Davidson.

Sparano and Zimmer were both on the Cowboys staff in the early ’00s, Sparano as tight ends coach and Zimmer as defensive coordinator.

Sparano left Dallas in 2008 to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins, lasting in that job until 2011. He then served one year as OC with the Jets before moving on to the Raiders (O-line) and last year the 49ers (TE).

Tony takes over from Jeff Davidson who coached the Vikings O-line from 2011 to 2015. Davidson was somewhat unceremoniously let go by Mike Zimmer this week.

Before news of Sparano’s imminent hiring broke, the Vikings were rumored to be interested in Giants O-line coach Pat Flahery and former Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell.

Sparano brings a wealth of experience to the position and seems to be a guy who lines up with Mike Zimmer’s gritty philosophy.

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The Vikings offensive line needs something of a make-over after coming under fire all season for their failure to protect Teddy Bridgewater.

Personnel changes could be in the offing at several positions, including left tackle, left guard and right tackle.