NFL Coach Who Led His Team to First Playoff Win in 51 Years Had Died

Former Cardinals head coach Vince Tobin died Monday at his home in Goodyear, Ariz., at the age of 79, according to an announcement from the team. 

Tobin, who coached the Cardinals from 1996-2000, helped the organization win its first playoff game in 51 years during the 1998 season. 

Arizona rallied behind second-year quarterback Jake Plummer and a quality defense as the Cardinals took down the Cowboys in the first round of the ‘98 playoffs. Though their run ended at the hands of the Vikings the following week, it marked the first time they’d won a playoff game since 1947.

Prior to his time as head coach of the Cardinals, Tobin served as an assistant for the Philadelphia Stars of the original USFL and was the defensive coordinator the Bears from 1986 to ’92. He also coached for the Colts (1994 and ’95), and landed roles with the Lions and Packers after he was fired by the Cardinals during the 2000 season. He retired from coaching in 2004. 

Among the notable players Tobin had a role in drafting include both Plummer and franchise legend Pat Tillman.

Plummer took to Twitter on Monday to share his condolences over Tobin’s passing.

“Coach Tobin gave me my 1st opp 2 lead a group of men & I’ll b 4ever grateful 4 the confidence he instilled n me then & blessed daily by those lessons as I pursue life, purpose & happiness. RIP coach Tobin! I get knocked down, but I get up again, nothings ever going to keep me down,” wrote Plummer.