Vince Tobin
19 Sep 1999: Head coach Vince Tobin of the Arizona Cardinals looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Miami Dolphins at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Cardinals 19-16. Andy Lyons /Allsport

It is a sad day today for the Arizona Cardinals as one of its legends passed away.

Former coach Vince Tobin passed away today. He was 79. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill immediately sent his condolences and tribute to Tobin's family and highlighted his contribution to the organization.

"His football legacy with us is highlighted by the thrilling 1998 season, return to the postseason, and upset playoff win at Dallas," Bidwill said in a statement.

"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."

Though he was only with the Cardinals from 1996 to 2000, his time there remains memorable to fans after leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 1998 since 1947.

Former players and fans paid tribute

Plummer is among the first to react and pay tribute to their former coach.

"Coach Tobin gave me my 1st opp 2 lead a group of men&I'll b 4ever grateful 4 the confidence he instilled n me then & blessed daily by those lessons as I pursue life,️purpose&happiness. RIP coach Tobin! I get knocked down, but I get up again, nothings ever going to keep me down," he wrote on Twitter.