Vikings Finalize Coaching Staff Changes After Multiple Departures
The Minnesota Vikings reshaped several key spots on Kevin O’Connell’s coaching staff this week, replacing four assistants and bringing in outside help on both sides of the ball after multiple offseason departures.
Assistant head coach Mike Pettine retired, and defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones was hired as the Commanders’ defensive coordinator. Defensive line coach Marcus Dixon and offensive line coach Chris Kuper were not retained for another season as their contracts expired.
To fill those openings, the Vikings hired three external coaches and promoted one internal candidate.
Assistant Head Coach Frank Smith
Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported on Saturday, “According to a source with knowledge of the moves, the Vikings hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as their assistant head coach, bringing him in for a key role shaping the run game after his time with Mike McDaniel in Miami.”
Smith had been a popular target among fans as a potential offensive line coach, but he instead steps into Pettine’s assistant head coach role as an adviser to O’Connell. Prior to his move to the Twin Cities, Smith was the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins.
In Miami, he coordinated under Mike McDaniel, who is considered one of the league’s top run-game specialists. That aspect could surely benefit the Vikings, as their running game under O’Connell hasn’t always been satisfying.
Goessling noted, “Smith played a key role in constructing a Dolphins run game in Miami that ranked sixth in the league in 2023, as Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achance helped the Dolphins lead the league in offensive yards that season. In Minnesota, he’ll likely give a boost to the Vikings’ run game.”
Following the 2023 season, Smith was voted the league’s top offensive coordinator.
Offensive Line Coach Keith Carter
Carter was hired last offseason. He was the assistant OL coach behind Kuper. Prior to his time with the Vikings, Carter was the New York Jets’ run game coordinator and OL coach (2023-2024) and the Tennessee Titans’ OL coach (2018-2022).
The Vikings’ offensive line struggled in 2025. Injuries were a problem all season long, but those who were available didn’t live up to expectations either.
Goessling commented on the internal promotion: “The Vikings used more than 20 different offensive line combinations last season, while center Ryan Kelly navigated a series of concussions and left tackle Christian Darrisaw tried to return from his 2024 knee surgery. Players in Tennessee and New York criticized Carter’s coaching style, but his first season in Minnesota helped him get the promotion once he’d had a chance to articulate his vision for the offensive line in an interview for the job.”
Defensive Line Coach Ryan Nielsen
Ryan Nielsen was viewed as a rising coach a couple of years ago. He was a co-defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints in 2022 and the DC of the Falcons in 2023 and the Jaguars in 2024. Last year, he was a senior defensive assistant. The Vikings interviewed him for their DC opening in 2023, but Brian Flores won the race.
Nielsen will also get the defensive run game coordinator title.
Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander
Just like Nielsen, Alexander will have an additional role: defensive pass game coordinator, the job Daronte Jones vacated with his move to the Commanders.
He has a history with Flores, Goessling noted, “Alexander had been Flores’ defensive backs coach in Miami during his final two years as the Dolphins head coach, before moving to Pittsburgh with Flores as part of Mike Tomlin’s staff in 2022. He was the Raiders’ safety coach in 2024 before returning to Pittsburgh as the defensive backs coach in 2025.”
Together, the moves suggest a clear emphasis on improving the trenches and run game while maintaining continuity on defense under Brian Flores. With O’Connell entering a pivotal season, the Vikings are betting that fresh voices — and a few familiar ones — can stabilize areas that underperformed in 2025.