Offensive line coach Jeff Davidson is well respected around the league and within the Vikings organization. Time and again his players praise his approach, the media marvels at his command, and results show up in the form of Adrian Peterson’s rushing totals.
With Leslie Frazier fired, however, Davidson’s future with the team is as uncertain as any of his coworkers’ and the Atlanta Falcons wanted to give him the opportunity to bolt early.
According to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports, Atlanta requested an interview with Davidson Thursday, as they currently have a vacancy at his position. The interesting part is that the Vikings denied their request and, by doing so, have greatly hindered his ability to find employment elsewhere.
At this time it is unclear what Minnesota’s motivations are for denying the request. It is possible that Rick Spielman really wants to retain Davidson and hopes his new head coaching hire agrees. It is not totally impossible that Davidson could get some consideration at a position of elevated responsibility such as Offensive Coordinator or Assistant Head Coach.
It is also entirely possible that Spielman is just being really conservative, maintaining rights to an asset of his, as some show of gamesmanship with an NFC opponent at the expense of an employee’s career potential.
Regardless of the motivations, Davidson is still a member of the Vikings, but the hammer will drop soon on a number of the team’s assistants and Davidson could very well end up being one of them.
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Davidson held the title of assistant head coach with the Browns and was offensive coordinator with the Panthers.
It makes sense to keep him around...
I personally view Davidson as more of a head coach guy than an offensive coordinator, however he has worked closely with Charlie Weis.
If Davidson was the head coach... Could Charlie be on his radar as offensive coordinator?
That would be very interesting? I just can't crack the Spielman code...
Freds' guy Erin Henderson is a damn mess. Twice in six weeks?
He's just too easy a target to mock at this point. Let's hope he gets some help.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10231782/erin-henderson-minnesota-vikings-arrested-drunken-driving
You're exactly right, Freds. This young man needs some help, because reality and discipline are just not on his radar screen right now.
Bye Bye Erin!
I saw that Patterson was picked for the Pro Bowl as a replacement. That is some great news during this weird week. Kudos to Spielman for trading up and going to get this guy last year. He is going to be a beast for quite some time barring injury.
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