Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Vince Tobin, who led the team to its first playoff victory in 51 years, died Monday at the age of 79.

A cause of death was not immediately revealed.

In a statement, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill expressed his condolences to Tobin’s family.

“Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew and loved Vince Tobin, and in particular his wife Kathy and their family,” the statement read.

“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, who served as the Cardinals’ head coach from 1996-2000 — and guided the team to a first-round playoff victory against the Cowboys during the 1998-99 season — was remembered fondly by his former quarterback, Jake Plummer.

Plummer tweeted Monday that Tobin gave him the first opportunity “to lead a group of men” and said that he’d be “forever grateful for the confidence he instilled in me then and blessed daily by those lessons as I pursue life, love, purpose and happiness.”

Plummer, a former second-round draft pick in 1997, continued, “RIP coach Tobin! I get knocked down, but I get up again, nothings ever going to keep me down.”

Tobin previously served as the defensive coordinator for Missouri, Boston College and the USFL’s Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars before replacing Buddy Ryan as the defensive coordinator of Mike Ditka’s Bears staff in 1986 as Ryan became head coach of the Eagles.

He was with the Bears through the 1992 season and was later named defensive coordinator of the Colts from 1994-95.

Tobin posted a 28-43 record in four-and-a-half seasons with the Cardinals.

He was later hired as the defensive coordinator of the Lions in 2001 and became a special assistant for the Packers in 2004.