For the 2nd Straight Year, Sean Desai Is a Vikings DC Candidate

Josh Frey |

Jan 22, 2023

The Vikings Turn to Seattle for Their 2nd DC Interview

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks associate head coach - defense Sean Desai before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Following parting ways with Ed Donatell this past week, the Minnesota Vikings have been on an extensive search for their next defensive coordinator. They’ve requested interviews with multiple candidates so far (prior to this, officially with Brian Flores of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ryan Nielsen of the New Orleans Saints). Now, for the second year in a row, the Vikings would like an interview with Sean Desai, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The #Vikings and #Dolphins, both of whom have vacant DC jobs, have requested to interview #Seahawks defensive assistant and associate head coach Sean Desai, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2023

Desai was a finalist for the job in Minnesota last season before it was given to Donatell. Then in 2022, Desai was an assistant head coach for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks.

Prior to that, Desai was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2021 and was a part of three separate head coaching tenures with the Bears. The continuity in his status with that franchise speaks volumes of his reputation with players, and there’s a reason he was considered for the Vikings job in 2022.

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll talk during warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

The current Seahawks assistant head coach also spent a large chunk of time coaching in college. From 2006-12, he held various roles at Temple, Miami (FL), and Boston College.

During the 2022 season, the Seahawks certainly had their struggles on the defensive side of the ball, ranking among the bottom 10 in both points and yards allowed. However, the 2021 Chicago Bears ranked sixth in yards allowed with Desai at the helm.

Jul 29, 2021; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai gestures while walking on the field during a Chicago Bears training camp session at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Funny enough, Desai and Donatell actually crossed paths in Chicago as well for an extended period of time. From 2015-18, Donatell was the Bears secondary coach while Desai was in charge of defensive quality control.

Overall, it should be unsurprising that Desai is once again in the running for the Vikings DC job. He has a long history of coaching success on that side of the ball, and he is one of the more sought-after candidates around the league.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.