The Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the NFL world are in mourning today following the passing of former head coach Vince Tobin. He was 79 years old.
Tobin served as head coach of the Cardinals from 1996 to 2000, during which he led them to the postseason in 1998 and their first playoff win in 50 years with an upset win over the Dallas Cowboys. His final record as head coach was 28-43 but he went on to coach football for several more years afterwards.
“Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, and in particular his wife Kathy and their family,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell said in a statement.
“As head coach of the Cardinals, his steady leadership was a constant and a big part of the success the team enjoyed during his tenure. His football legacy with us is highlighted by the thrilling 1998 season, return to the postseason and upset playoff win at Dallas. He will also be remembered for his instrumental role in key decisions like drafting Jake Plummer & Pat Tillman. More than that, he was a consummate family man and always a class act who positively impacted everyone he encountered.”
Fans and media members have also taken to Twitter to offer their condolences:
Deepest sympathies to coach Tobin’s family. One of the nicest men I’ve ever come across in pro sports. Used to host the Vince Tobin Show way back when in Phoenix. He absolutely hated doing media. But he did it with a smile on his face.
RIP to a great man! https://t.co/VFy8a0xRYU
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) July 3, 2023
RIP to former Chicago Bears DC Vince Tobin https://t.co/icgRk80FMQ
— David Peters Jr🐻⬇️ (@David_Peters_04) July 3, 2023
RIP to Coach Vince Tobin
Tobin coached as an assistant for
– Missouri Tigers
– BC Lions
– Philadelphia Stars
– Chicago Bears
– Indianapolis Colts
– Detroit Lions
– Green Bay PackersHe was also the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 1996-2000
🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/cHuX79qrtc
— Football History by SGPN (@FootballSGPN) July 3, 2023
Vince Tobin, really solid man, really solid coach. He always stayed true to himself, and was a salt-of-the-earth kind of human. Rest in peace.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) July 3, 2023
Vince Tobin’s coaching career began all the way back in 1965 as a graduate assistant at Missouri, where he had previously played defensive back. He was named the school’s defensive coordinator in 1971 and would coach football in college, Canada, the USFL and the NFL every year until 2001.
Tobin’s final job in the NFL was as a special assistant to the Green Bay Packers in 2004.
Our hearts go out to Tobin’s family and loved ones.