A Vikings Coach Says Goodbye
When general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were terminated in January, most of the existing Minnesota Vikings coaching staff scattered, sans wide receiver coach Keenan McCardell. And now another coach is formally saying goodbye.
It’s AC Patterson, the offensive quality control coach for the Vikings during the last three seasons. Patterson was also the assistant RBs coach in 2021.
The son of Andre Patterson, Minnesota’s former co-defensive coordinator, AC will trek elsewhere in 2022, although he has not revealed the destination. On Friday, though, Patterson thanked Minnesota for all the hospitality.
AC’s father, Andre, landed with the New York Giants last month, where the 61-year-old will coach that franchise’s defensive line — a task he performs masterfully.
With AC, the son, involved in the Vikings offense, the team’s identity shifted from defense-first to more of an offensive operation. Minnesota’s defense faltered in 2020 and 2021, ultimately leading to the exodus of Mike Zimmer. Per EPA/Play, from 2019 to 2021 in AC’s tenure, the Viking ranked 11th in the NFL for offensive efficiency.
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What’s more, Patterson worked closely with running back Dalvin Cook, helping the Florida State alumnus achieve a career season in 2020, including 1,918 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns.
Before joining the Vikings in 2019, AC Patterson was an offensive line coach, running backs coach, tight ends coach, and recruiter at Portland State University.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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