Bud Grant
The stoic architect of the Vikings' golden era and a four-time Grey Cup champion.
Harry Peter "Bud" Grant Jr. (May 20, 1927 – March 11, 2023) was an American professional football player and coach in the NFL and CFL. He was head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for 18 seasons, serving as the team's second (1967–1983) and fourth (1985) head coach, leading them to four Super Bowl appearances, 11 division titles, one league championship, and three NFC championships. Before coaching the Vikings, he was head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for 10 seasons, winning the Grey Cup four times.
- NFL Career Record
- 158 Wins, 96 Losses, 5 Ties
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Grant attended the University of Minnesota and was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He played in the NBA for the Minneapolis Lakers, winning the 1950 NBA Finals, then played in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. A statue of Grant stands in front of the Blue Bombers' current stadium, Princess Auto Stadium. Grant is the most successful coach in Vikings history and was the most successful in Blue Bombers history until surpassed by Mike O'Shea during the 2024 season. He is the fifth-most winningest coach in professional football history with a combined 286 wins in the NFL and CFL. He was elected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. He was the first coach to guide teams to both the Grey Cup and the Super Bowl, the only other being Marv Levy.
In Their Own Story
The Minnesota Vikings hired Grant on March 11, 1967, replacing Norm Van Brocklin. His coaching philosophy was rooted in controlled emotion; he believed teams would not follow a leader who panicked. This mindset extended to the harsh Minnesota climate. Grant mandated outdoor winter practices and forbade heaters on the sidelines, reasoning that without them, players focused on the game rather than gathering around warmth. By 1969, he guided the team to their first NFL Championship and Super Bowl IV, though they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 1970s saw continued dominance with three more Super Bowl appearances (VIII, IX, and XI), all resulting in losses, yet Grant became the first coach to lead a team to four Super Bowls. After retiring following the 1983 season, he returned in 1985 for one final year, restoring the club to a 7–9 record before stepping down again.
Reader's Guide
Grant's regular-season record with the Vikings is 158-96-5. He served as head coach from 1967 to 1983 and returned for the 1985 season only, stepping down after that season. His NFL career record is 158 wins, 96 losses, and 5 ties.
Did You Know?
- Grant was diagnosed with polio as a child and was advised to play sports to strengthen his leg muscles.
- He survived the 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard while duck hunting by hearing a train horn and finding shelter at a gas station.
- Grant was the first professional player to 'play out his option' and leave for another team when he left the Eagles for the Blue Bombers in 1953.
- He holds the professional football record for most interceptions in a playoff game, with five on October 28, 1953.
- Grant required his Vikings players to practice outdoors in winter and banned heaters on the sidelines during games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bud Grant to the Minnesota Vikings?
He served as the franchise's second head coach from 1967 through 1985, establishing a legacy of discipline and success. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, he remains one of the most respected figures in team history.
How many Super Bowls did Bud Grant win?
Although he led the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances, he never secured a league championship victory during his tenure. Despite this, he guided the team to three NFC Championship titles and eleven division crowns.
What was Bud Grant's coaching philosophy?
Grant was known for instilling strict discipline, such as requiring players to stand at attention for the national anthem. He also famously practiced outdoors in winter without sideline heaters to prepare athletes for harsh game conditions.
Did Bud Grant coach outside of the NFL?
Yes, he is one of only two coaches ever to guide a team to both a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl appearance. This unique achievement underscores his extensive experience in professional football before taking over the Vikings.
When did Bud Grant retire from coaching?
He concluded his final stint as head coach in 1985 after returning for one additional season earlier that year. His retirement marked the end of an era, leaving him with the eighth-most wins among NFL coaches at the time.
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