Mike Priefer will not return as Special Teams Coordinator in 2019

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Jan 11, 2019
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings interim head coach Mike Priefer looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Priefer started his tenure with this franchise in 2011, and has overlooked some great special teams units, with his unit ranking as the third-highest-graded special teams unit since 2013.

However, the rumors that Priefer may return in 2019 had some upset due to his clear lack of ability to work with kickers. Most recently, 5th round pick Daniel Carlson converted only 25% of his field goal tries under Priefer before being cut early in the season. Shortly after, he was picked up by the Oakland Raiders where he converted 94.1% of his field goal tries.

Carlson’s replacement, veteran kicker Dan Bailey, also dropped from the 2nd most accurate kicker of all time to the 5th spot. The two combined for a league low 68.8% of field goals converted this season.

Notably, Priefer has been quoted as saying ‘If a guy needs a mental coach, he needs to go elsewhere.’ when discussing young kickers.

Today, Mike Priefer told NFL Network that he has agreed to become the special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in the upcoming 2019 season.

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