The Vikings Coaching Staff: 5 Firm News Updates Within Plenty of Rumors
The Vikings coaching staff remains a work in progress.
Most notably, there’s the status of DC Brian Flores. He’s overqualified to be Minnesota’s coordinator, fully deserving of being a top coach for some team even if that remains uncertain. Circulating around all of the Coach Flores speculation is other news updates about the Vikings coaching staff.
The Vikings Coaching Staff & 5 News Updates
News Update No. 1 — Safeties Coach Michael Hutchings Gone
In football, the vultures circle around the bodies that are alive and well rather than the ones that are decaying and dying. Teams are looking to swoop in for coaches from Minnesota’s defense since it has been Minnesota’s most impressive phase.
Michael Hutchings is journeying down to the collegiate level. He’s doing so to accept a coordinator position, allowing him to move beyond being a position coach to becoming one who gets to design a scheme, call plays, decide on the depth chart, and so on. Keep his name tucked in the back of your mind as a coach who is rising.
News Update No. 2 — Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine Retired
The veteran coach is moving into retirement.
Mike Pettine has been on the coaching staff since 2022. Kevin O’Connell, then a first-time head coach, welcomed Pettine aboard as someone with plenty of experience in tow. Is that assistant head coach role going to be filled? If so, by whom?
News Update No. 3 — Offensive Line Coach Chris Kuper Shown the Door
The offensive line has a ton of talent. Being just average isn’t good enough, perhaps prompting the decision to move on.
Already, the discourse surrounding the Vikings has connected Minnesota to an available candidate. A key truth to always remember: landing the coach that’s burning up the news headlines isn’t always the best outcome. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t. Better than winning the headline battle is winning the trench battle. Pick a coach who can help in the trenches.
News Update No. 4 — DB Coach/Passing Game Coordinator Daronte Jones Being Interviewed
The widespread belief is that Daronte Jones would be the leader to fill the vacant DC job if Brian Flores leaves. In the meantime, Coach Jones is getting plenty of interest around the NFL.
Most painful for Vikings fans would involve seeing him depart for the open DC job with the Packers. But, to be sure, there other options out there. At least from the outside looking in, Coach Jones appears ready to show that he’s capable of coordinating an NFL defense. Give him a chance.
News Update No. 5 — Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores Being Interviewed
The granddaddy of ’em all: the status of Brian Flores. He’s back in Minnesota on a new deal but could still get stolen away for a head coach opening (tip of the cap to Mr. Pelissero).
Known as “The Mad Scientist,” Brian Flores deserves a promotion. Anyone who has been paying attention, though, will understand that the NFL can be a workplace that shuns wisdom. If there isn’t a team that scoops him up, the Vikings will be very pleased to retain the sophisticated tactician.
