MN Vikings Mourn Loss Of Former Coach Jerry Burns

EAGAN, MN— Jerry Burns, a former coach for the Minnesota Vikings, died Wednesday, the team said in a statement. He was 94.

Burns, a Vikings' Ring of Honor coach, worked for the team for 24 seasons- 18 as offensive coordinator and six as head coach, the team said.

The Wilf family, owners of the Vikings, issued a statement following Burns' death.

""Jerry Burns was one of the most important people we met when we came to Minnesota, and he was a foundation of this franchise," the family said. "His leadership as a coordinator and head coach for over two decades shaped some of the most successful teams in Vikings history. 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."

Burns helped the Vikings make it to all four of the team's Super Bowl appearances, and helped the team win 11 division titles during his time with the team, the NFL said in a statement.

Burns was inducted into the Vikings' Ring of Honor in 2005, the NFL said.

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