Legendary Vikings coach Bud Grant has passed away

It is a sad day for the Minnesota Vikings organization and its fans as former head coach Bud Grant has passed away at the age of 95.

Younger fans may know Bud Grant as the tough old man who marched out to the middle of the field in sub-zero-degree weather in short sleeves for a coin flip but his place in Minnesota Vikings history is much deeper than that.

Grant was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings during the team’s Purple People Eaters era. His first stint with the team was from 957 through 1966 and then he returned in 1967 and stayed until 1983 before coming back one more time in 1985.

A career win-loss record of 168–108 earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the Vikings Ring of Honor. and was the team’s coach during the 1969 season when they won the NFL championship.

Bud Grant is a Minnesota Vikings legend

Grant played two seasons in the NBA for the Minneapolis Lakers before shifting his attention to the NFL and joining the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a consultant for the Vikings from 1986 until 2023 with his own office at the team facility.

Here is the announcement of Bud Grant’s passing from the official Twitter account of the Minnesota Vikings.

Fans who lived in Minnesota had the opportunity to attend one of Bud Grant’s annual garage sales with the opportunity to pick up a piece of Vikings history or get an autograph of photo with the legendary coach.

Grant’s contributions are a huge reason for the legacy the franchise has enjoyed since the team’s first season in 1961. His role in the team’s prominence and Super Bowl appearances will forever be a piece of history.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Bud Grant as well as fans mourning the loss of the legendary coach. He will never be forgotten and there will never be another Bud Grant.