Jerry Burns, former Vikings coach known for wit, dies at 94
May 13, 2021 4:32AM CDT
FILE – In this June 18, 2015, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, left, laughs with former Vikings coach Jerry Burns, right, during NFL football minicamp in Eden Prairie, Minn. Burns, the colorful character who took over as the Vikings’ head coach in a time of turmoil and led the team to three playoff berths, has died. He was 94. The team announced Burns’ death. Vikings spokesman Bob Hagan said Burns’ son-in-law informed him of Burns’ death Wednesday morning, May 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File) @ap.news
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Jerry Burns has died at 94. Burns took over in a time of turmoil and led the team to three playoff berths in six seasons.
He helped Green Bay win the first two Super Bowls as defensive backs coach. Then he joined Vikings coach Bud Grant as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator in 1968. He held the position until 1985 and became head coach in 1986.
Burns had a 55-46 record, including 3-3 in the postseason. He retired after the 1991 season. He was an astute strategist on the field and a colorful character off of it.
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