History of Bud Grant in Timeline
Bud Grant was a highly successful American football coach and player. He notably coached the Minnesota Vikings for 18 seasons, leading them to four Super Bowl appearances. Prior to his NFL career, Grant coached the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL for 10 seasons, securing four Grey Cup championships. His leadership and coaching acumen made him a prominent figure in both American and Canadian football history.
March 28, 1927: Patricia Nelson's Birth
Patricia Nelson, later to become Bud Grant's wife, was born on March 28, 1927.
May 20, 1927: Bud Grant's Birth
On May 20, 1927, Harry Peter "Bud" Grant Jr. was born. He would later become a successful football player and coach.
1940: Survived Armistice Day Blizzard
In 1940, Bud Grant survived the Armistice Day Blizzard while duck hunting on Yellow Lake in northern Wisconsin, by sheltering at a gas station.
1945: Graduated High School and Enlisted in U.S. Navy
In 1945, Bud Grant graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
1949: Played for the Minneapolis Lakers
During the 1949-50 NBA season, Bud Grant played for the Minneapolis Lakers.
1950: Married Patricia Nelson
In 1950, Bud Grant married Patricia Nelson.
1950: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles and Minneapolis Lakers
In 1950, Bud Grant was drafted by both the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) and the Minneapolis Lakers (NBA). He also won the NBA championship with the Lakers that year.
1950: Won NBA Finals with Minneapolis Lakers
In 1950, Bud Grant won the NBA Finals while playing for the Minneapolis Lakers.
1951: Played for Philadelphia Eagles
In 1951, Bud Grant played for the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive end and led the team in sacks.
1952: Eagles Contract Expired
At the end of the 1952 NFL season, Bud Grant's contract with the Philadelphia Eagles expired.
October 28, 1953: Made Five Interceptions in Playoff Game
On October 28, 1953, Bud Grant made five interceptions in a playoff game, a record in professional football.
1954: Lead the Western Conference in Pass Receptions
In 1954, Bud Grant led the Western Conference in Pass Receptions.
1956: Final Season as a Player
1956 was Bud Grant's final season as a player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
January 30, 1957: Accepted Blue Bombers Head Coaching Position
On January 30, 1957, Bud Grant accepted the head coaching position for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1958: Won Grey Cup
In 1958, Bud Grant won the Grey Cup as head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1959: Won Grey Cup
In 1959, Bud Grant won the Grey Cup as head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1961: Won Grey Cup
In 1961, Bud Grant won the Grey Cup as head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1962: Won Grey Cup
In 1962, Bud Grant won the Grey Cup as head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1964: Took on Additional Responsibilities
In 1964, Bud Grant took on additional responsibilities as a club manager.
1965: CFL Coach of the Year
In 1965, Bud Grant was named CFL Coach of the Year.
1966: Last Season Coaching Blue Bombers
1966 was Bud Grant's last season as the head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1966: Took on Additional Responsibilities
In 1966, Bud Grant took on additional responsibilities as a club manager.
March 11, 1967: Hired as Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
On March 11, 1967, Bud Grant was hired as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, succeeding Norm Van Brocklin.
1967: Became Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings
In 1967, Bud Grant became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
1967: Left the Blue Bombers
In 1967, Bud Grant departed from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1969: Led Vikings to First NFL Championship
In 1969, Bud Grant led the Minnesota Vikings to their first NFL Championship and Super Bowl appearance.
1970: Released Joe Kapp
Prior to the 1970 season, Minnesota released Joe Kapp.
1971: Started Gary Cuozzo
In 1971, Gary Cuozzo started at quarterback for the Vikings
1972: Re-acquired Fran Tarkenton
Prior to the 1972 season, the Vikings re-acquired Fran Tarkenton.
1979: Mike Started Coaching
In 1979, Mike started coaching at Minnetonka High School
1981: Mike Became Forest Lake Head Coach
From 1981 to 1986 and 1989 to 1991 Mike Became Forest Lake Head Coach
1983: Retired After 1983 Season
Bud Grant retired as head coach of the Vikings after the 1983 NFL season.
1983: Elected to Canadian Football Hall of Fame
In 1983, Bud Grant was elected to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
1984: Les Steckel Fired
After leading the team to a 3-13 record, Les Steckel was fired as head coach in 1984.
1985: Returned as Vikings Head Coach
In 1985, Bud Grant returned for one season as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
1985: Returned as Coach
In 1985, Bud Grant returned for one season as head coach of the Vikings.
1986: Mike Left Forest Lake Head Coach
From 1981 to 1986 and 1989 to 1991 Mike Was Forest Lake Head Coach
1987: Mike Was Saint Johns Offensive Coach
In 1987 and 1988 Mike Was Saint Johns Offensive Coach
1988: Mike Was Saint Johns Offensive Coach
In 1987 and 1988 Mike Was Saint Johns Offensive Coach
1989: Mike Became Forest Lake Head Coach Again
From 1981 to 1986 and 1989 to 1991 Mike Was Forest Lake Head Coach
1991: Mike Left Forest Lake Head Coach Again
From 1981 to 1986 and 1989 to 1991 Mike Was Forest Lake Head Coach
1992: Mike Grant becomes head coach for Eden Prairie High School
Since 1992, Mike Grant has been the football head coach for Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
1993: Received Death Threat
In 1993, Bud Grant received a death threat due to his efforts against Native American hunting and fishing treaty rights in Minnesota.
1994: Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 1994, Bud Grant was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2004: Asked to Return to Vikings Head Coach
In 2004, Bud Grant was asked to return as the Vikings' head coach, but the deal fell through due to salary disagreements.
2005: Spoke at Capitol Rally
In 2005, Bud Grant spoke at a Capitol rally in Minnesota advocating for the conservation of wetlands, wetland wildlife, and water.
2008: Ryan Grant At University of Minnesota
From 2008-2012 Bud's Grandson played at the University of Minnesota
March 4, 2009: Pat Grant's Death
On March 4, 2009, Pat Grant, Bud Grant's wife, died of Parkinson's disease at age 81.
2012: Ryan Grant At University of Minnesota
From 2008-2012 Bud's Grandson played at the University of Minnesota
2014: Unveiling of Statue
In 2014, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers unveiled a statue of Coach Grant outside IG Field.
2016: Inducted into the Blue Bomber Ring of Honour
In 2016, Bud Grant was inducted into the Blue Bomber ring of honour.
July 25, 2018: Bruce Grant's Death
On July 25, 2018, Bruce Grant, one of Bud Grant's sons, died from brain cancer.
2020: Seven Assistants Became Head Coaches
As of 2020, seven of Bud Grant's assistants have become head coaches.
2021: Most Successful Coach in Vikings History
As of 2021, Bud Grant remains the most successful coach in Vikings history.
2022: Became Oldest Living NBA Champion
In 2022, after the death of Arnie Ferrin, Bud Grant became the oldest living NBA champion.
March 11, 2023: Bud Grant's Death
On March 11, 2023, Bud Grant, the former NFL and CFL coach and player, passed away.
2024: Surpassed by Mike O'Shea
During the 2024 season, Mike O'Shea surpassed Bud Grant as the most successful coach in Blue Bombers history.
