Breaking News! Vince Tobin, who led the Arizona Cardinals to their first playoff victory in 50 years after a 9-7 season in 1998, died Monday and was 79 years old.
Tobin replaced Buddy Ryan as the Cardinals’ head coach in 1996 and went 23–48 during his five seasons in Arizona. However, in 1998 his team defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs 20–7, the first postseason Cardinals’ victory since 1947, before losing 41–21 to the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round. Tobin was fired and replaced by defensive coordinator Dave McGinnis after a 2-5 start to the 2000 season.
What Bidwill said about Vince Tobin dead news?
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement, “their deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, especially his wife, Cathy, and his family. As head coach of the Cardinals, his steadfast leadership was a constant and a big part of the team’s success during his tenure.”
Arizona Cardinals coach Vince Tobin watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of their 48-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on October 22, 2000, in Irving, Texas.
“His football legacy from him to us is highlighted by an exciting 1998 season, a return to the postseason, and an upset playoff win in Dallas. He will also be remembered for his key role in key decisions like the selection of Jake Plummer and Pat Tillman. More than that, he was the perfect family man and always did an excellent job, positively impacting everyone he met.
Other Details About Him!
However, Tobin was born in Burlington Junction, MO, and he was a defensive player at the University of Missouri, graduating as an assistant coach in 1965. However, from 1971 to 1976, he was Missouri’s defensive coordinator. In 1977-82, Tobin moved to the Canadian Football League, where Tobin was the defensive coordinator for the BC Lions.
Therefore, serving as defensive coordinator from 1986-1992 before joining the Indianapolis Colts, Tobin began his NFL coaching career with the Chicago Bears. After his tenure with the Cardinals, Tobin spent one season as the Lions’ defensive coordinator (2001) and ended his coaching career in 2004 as a special assistant to the Packers, respectively.