2. Bud Grant
- Position: Head Coach
- Years with Vikings: 1967-1983, 1985
- Years in the NFL: 1967-1983, 1985
- Other teams associated with: -none-
- Enshrinement year: 1994
When it comes to coaches, none are as beloved as Bud Grant. Coming over from a successful 10 season coaching stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, grant took over a Vikings team in 1967 that only won 4 of their 14 games.
Grant’s arrival didn’t mark a significant change in Minnesota right away, as he coached the team to a 3 win season in his first year. However, then the team made a massive turnaround in 1968, going to 8 wins and then 12 the following year.
Accolades came for Grant during his tenure in professional football, earning 3 NFC Championships, an NFL Championship in 1969, and Coach of the Year honors in 1976 before retiring following the 1983 season and returning for one more year in 1985.
The legendary Vikings coach still holds a significant place in the hearts of fans to this day, as he became known for his annual garage sales and toughness, as shown when he walked out for a coin toss in a short sleeve shirt when the weather was freezing.
All future Minnesota coaches will be compared to Bud Grant, and those are some big shoes to follow since his career record with the franchise was 168–108–5.