Former Vikings offensive line coach John Michels passes away

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty ImagesThe man who coached offensive linemen for the Minnesota Vikings longer than any man to ever hold the position has passed away.

John Michels, who coached offensive linemen for the purple for nearly three decades, passed away on Thursday at the age of 87.

Following an outstanding college career at the University of Tennessee, a short stint in the NFL, and serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Michels joined the coaching staff of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers under then-coach Bud Grant. When Grant moved on to become the head coach of the Vikings in 1967, Michels joined him in Minnesota to coach the offensive linemen. He held the position for twenty-seven…