Remembering Vikings Legend Paul Wiggin

The Minnesota Vikings organization and football fans across the country are mourning the loss of a true legend of the game. Paul Wiggin, a former Vikings assistant coach and personnel executive who dedicated 40 years to the franchise, passed away Friday at the age of 91.

A Life Dedicated to Football

Wiggin's football journey spanned decades and multiple levels of the sport. A two-time All-America selection at Stanford, he was drafted in the sixth round of the 1956 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he would spend his entire 11-year playing career.

During his time with the Browns, Wiggin became known for his durability, starting 127 of 146 regular-season games while playing alongside Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown and legendary linebacker Jim Marshall. His performance earned him Pro Bowl selections after the 1965 and 1967 seasons and a place on the Browns All-Time Team.

From the Field to the Sidelines

Following his playing days, Wiggin seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began as a defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers (1968-74) before taking his first head coaching job with the Kansas City Chiefs (1975-77). He later served as defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (1978-79) before returning to college football as head coach at Stanford (1980-83).

While at Stanford, Wiggin faced one of the most memorable moments in college football history—the infamous "The Play" against Cal in 1982—but also had the privilege of coaching a young John Elway, who would go on to become the No. 1 pick in the 1983 NFL Draft.

Vikings Legacy

In 1985, Wiggin joined the Minnesota Vikings as defensive line coach, reuniting with Hall of Fame head coach Bud Grant during Grant's final season. He remained with the team through Jerry Burns' tenure as head coach before transitioning to the personnel department in 1992.

"Coach Wiggin is a legend as a person, player, coach and personnel executive," said Vikings Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski. "For 40 years, he demonstrated an incredible dedication to the Vikings, a team he truly loved."

During his time with the Vikings, Wiggin became instrumental in building the team's personnel department from the ground up. He remained with the organization for over 30 years in various roles, using his expertise to evaluate linemen and provide valued counsel to colleagues.

Mentor and Friend

Wiggin's impact extended beyond wins and losses. He was known as a mentor to Hall of Fame defensive end John Randle, who credits Wiggin with shaping his career.

"Paul was the original guru. He had a quiet way of imparting his knowledge and wisdom in a way that changed the game," Randle said. "He never raised his voice or spoke in harsh words. His humble leadership pushed you to be a better player and a better man."

Wiggin's modest demeanor and profound knowledge made him respected throughout the league. In January 2023, he was honored with the Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award, recognizing his contributions to Minnesota football.

As the Vikings organization and countless others mourn his passing, Paul Wiggin's legacy lives on through the players he coached, the executives he mentored, and the championships he helped build. His commitment to excellence and humility embodied the very best of the game he loved.