Former Packers assistant Bob Schnelker dead

GREEN BAY – Former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Bob Schnelker died Monday in Naples, Fla.

Schnelker, 88, coached under Vince Lombardi in the late 1960s and was offensive coordinator for the team's high-powered offenses of the early 1980s, which included players such as Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton and quarterback Lynn Dickey. During his seasons as offensive coordinator, the Packers were 12th, second, sixth and 12th in total yards.

Packers chief historian Cliff Christl wrote that Schnelker was "in many ways ... old-school from start to finish and a disciple of Lombardi."

Schnelker's eight-year playing career as tight end included two Pro Bowls and turns with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. He scored the first touchdown in Minnesota Vikings' history, a pass from rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton in Minnesota's 37-13 win over the Chicago Bears.

He was an assistant coach with the Packers from 1966 to 1971, and offensive coordinator from 1982 to 1985. He was the Packers' receivers coach during Super Bowls I and II, which were won by Green Bay.

He also coached the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and the Vikings. He retired in 1990, but served as a volunteer coach for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

His daughter, Kristina Pinkston, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune he died of complications from cancer. He was survived Pinkston, three grandchildren and a brother.

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