Five Defensive Coordinator Candidates For The Vikings
It sure looks like Kevin O’Connell will be taking over as the Vikings head coach. Perhaps the first thing he’ll need to do is fill out his staff. The team needs a new coordinator for all three phases, and one could argue that nailing the defensive coordinator hire is the most important thing for the Vikings. On Monday, we should get the announcement that K/O is officially the new HC. One has to think that we’ll learn about a DC shortly thereafter. Here are five names to remember.
Vic Fangio
This is the hire that Vikings fans would likely be most enthused about. The veteran coach consistently put forth top-tier defenses in Chicago, much to the chagrin of Vikings fans at the time. There is now the chance to bring him in to revamp an underachieving unit. The team’s leadership ought to be very familiar with him. It would be surprising if he didn’t get a good opportunity somewhere in 2022.
Aubrey Pleasant
Pleasant’s name has recently emerged in the rumors. Take a look at what PFT had to say about the Detroit assistant: “The Vikings want to talk to Pleasant about their defensive coordinator position. Pleasant joined the Lions after Dan Campbell was hired as their head coach last year. He spent the previous four seasons as the defensive backs coach with the Rams, so he and O’Connell have worked together in the past.” Pleasant got some support from folks on Vikings Twitter.
Andre Patterson
The reason for including his name is obvious. A sensational coach who has years of experience turning defensive linemen into great NFL players. Everson Griffen, Brian Robison, Danielle Hunter, Armon Watts, Shamar Stephen, Stephen Weatherly, and several others all exceeded expectations, largely due to Patterson’s coaching. He makes strong connections with the players and was co-defensive coordinator last season.
Mike Pettine
This one has been in the rumors. A lot of Vikings fans will remember him from his time with the Packers. He has previously been a DC for the Jets, Bills, and Browns. He was also a head coach for a couple seasons. He worked for the Bears during 2021. If the Vikings are looking for a more veteran coach, Pettine could be the option.
Chris Shula
Admittedly, this one is a bit outside of the box. The rationale here is that K/O may be looking to bring over talent from the Rams’ coaching staff. As the last name suggests, Shula is connected to the legendary Don Shula: “Shula is the son of David Shula, former head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992-96, and the grandson of Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula.”
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