Former Arizona Cardinals head coach and longtime defensive coordinator Vince Tobin died Monday at his home in Goodyear, Ariz. He was 79.

A cause of death was not reported.

Tobin went 28-43 in parts of five seasons as head coach of the Cardinals from 1996-2000. He was fired after Week 8 of the 2000 campaign amid a 2-5 start.

He had one winning season in 1998, making the playoffs. The Cardinals beat Dallas in the wild card game — the franchise’s first playoff win in 51 seasons — but lost to Minnesota in the divisional round, 41-21.

“Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, and in particular his wife Kathy and their family,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “As head coach of the Cardinals, his steady leadership was a constant and a big part of the success the team enjoyed during his tenure.

“His football legacy with us is highlighted by the thrilling 1998 season, return to the postseason, and upset playoff win at Dallas. He will also be remembered for his instrumental role in key decisions like drafting Jake Plummer and Pat Tillman. More than that, he was a consummate family man and always a class act who positively impacted everyone he encountered.”

Tobin was the defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears from 1986-92. He took over under Mike Ditka when Buddy Ryan left to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Tobin once again replaced Ryan in Arizona after Ryan’s two-year stint as head coach of the Cardinals.

He was also a defensive coordinator in the CFL and USFL and with the Indianapolis Colts (1994-95) and Detroit Lions (2001).

Tobin was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 along with his brother Bill. Vince Tobin was a two-year starter for the Tigers and later became an assistant coach from 1965-76.

–Field Level Media