West Haven Native, Former UNH Coach Tony Sparano Dies At 56

WEST HAVEN, CT — The community is mourning the death of West Haven native and former University of New Haven football coach Tony Sparano, who died suddenly on Sunday morning at the age of 56. Sparano was currently the offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings. He was a player on UNH’s 1979 team that posted the first undefeated season in school history (8-0-1) and returned to his alma matter in 1994 as head coach and led the Chargers to a 41-14-1 record in five seasons.

"Our hearts go out to the entire Sparano family in this difficult time," UNH Athletics Director Chris Palmer, a longtime friend of Sparano, said in a statement. “Tony was a true Charger; as the most successful coach in program history, he made his mark on the program both as a player and coach. Sparano taught more than just the game, deeply affecting the lives of the young men he coached and those whom he coached with. He will be dearly missed."

Sparano worked as an assistant coach under Palmer, who was named head coach in 1986. Sparano then followed Palmer to Boston University and ultimately to the NFL. Sparano was named the sixth head football coach in UNH history in 1994. The highlight of Sparano's five seasons as head coach was a 12-2 record in 1997, capped off with a trip to the 1997 National Championship game in Florence, Alabama.

"On behalf of the entire University of New Haven community, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tony Sparano," UNH President Steven Kaplan said. "He will be remembered as one the best student-athletes and most successful coaches in the decorated history of our athletics program. Most importantly, he was a passionate supporter of his beloved alma mater, an institution that always held a special place in his heart. Throughout his distinguished career at the University of New Haven – and in reaching the highest level of his profession – he embodied the ideals we strive to instill in all of our students. The countless people celebrating his life today is testament to the legions of people he profoundly impacted as a coach, mentor, and friend."

Sparano left UNH in February of 1999 to join Palmer on the coaching staff of the expansion Cleveland Browns. Sparano was also a coach for the Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers. He was preparing for the start of training camp with the Minnesota Vikings in just a few days.

"Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony,'" Minnesota Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. "Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony's presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony's family during this incredibly difficult time."

Sparano is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his two sons Tony and Andrew, his daughter, Ryan Leigh, and four grandchildren.

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