Minnesota Vikings' Hall of Fame Coach Bud Grant Passes Away

The NFL lost a legend Saturday morning. The Minnesota Vikings announced that their Hall of Fame head coach and four-time NFL/NFC champion Bud Grant has passed away. He was 95 years old.

We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at age 95.

We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. pic.twitter.com/z2NNlNAY44
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2023

Grant compiled an excellent 158-96-5 record from 1967 to 1985 with the Vikings before retiring at 58 years old. He also served as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach from 1957-1966.

Grant is probably best remembered for his incredible defenses of the 60s and 70s, playfully dubbed the Purple People Eaters. Behind the overpowering play of Hall of Fame defensive lineman and 1971 MVP Alan Page, Grant's Vikings finished first in points allowed for three consecutive years from 1969 to 1971 and top five in points allowed on seven separate occasions. Besides Page, Grant also coached Hall of Famers Paul Krause, the NFL's all-time interception leader, and Carl Eller, a five-time first-team All-Pro.

Grant employed several coaches who went on to substantial NFL careers, including Pete Carroll, Buddy Ryan, and Marc Trestman. He is perhaps the greatest head coach of the modern era to never win a Super Bowl, and certainly the greatest coach in Vikings history.