Former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Jerry Burns Dead at 94: 'He Had a Unique Outlook on the Game'

George Rose/Getty Jerry Burns on January 1, 1989

Jerry Burns, a former NFL coach who was involved with the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff for 24 seasons, died on Wednesday. He was 94.

The Vikings announced the news, mourning Burns, who was the team's head coach from 1986 to 1991.

Owners of the team, the Wilf family, said in a statement that Burns was "one of the most important people we met when we came to Minnesota, and he was a foundation of this franchise."

"His leadership as a coordinator and head coach for over two decades shaped some of the most successful teams in Vikings history," they said. "His love of life, quick smile and sense of humor were what we will remember most. We join Vikings fans worldwide in sending our prayers to his family."

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The #Vikings mourn the loss of Ring of Honor coach Jerry Burns.

Burns, who served as the franchise’s offensive coordinator (1968–1985) and head coach (1986-1991), passed away today at the age of 94. pic.twitter.com/OSncmzfMVl

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 12, 2021

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Burns helped the team make it to four Super Bowls during his time as offensive coordinator, according to the team, and he became part of the Viking's Ring of Honor.

Current Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said, "From the day I started with the Vikings, Jerry Burns was a great friend and someone I loved spending time with. He had a unique outlook on the game, and I learned something every time we talked. The football world lost a great one today."