Sean McVay Says “Nope” on One of Vikings Plans
The Minnesota Vikings were supposed to get a crack at interviewing Los Angeles Rams assistant secondary coach Jonathan Cooley, hoping to fill out Kevin O’Connell’s new staff.
Because the Rams won the Super Bowl, many of the franchise’s coaches are a hot commodity for promotion via theft, and Minnesota wants in on the fun, too – with no better evidence than O’Connell as head coach.
On the same day the Vikings rolled out O’Connell to the public – in an event that went wonderfully – the Rams blocked Cooley from chatting with the Vikings. They drew the line, telling Minnesota nope on this particular guy.
Cooley is not a household name – he’s only coached in Los Angeles for two years – but evidently, Rams head coach Sean McVay has bigger plans for him. For perspective, the Vikings used to block Kevin Stefanski from talking with other teams, but he eventually broke through to the Cleveland Browns.
Perhaps the Rams are annoyed by various teams pillaging their staff. Los Angeles already lost secondary coach/defensive pass game coordinator Ejiro Evero to Denver for a defensive coordinator gig. McVay said at the team’s victory parade this week he wanted to “run it back.” And, damnit, he’ll need some coaches to effectuate that plan.
Additionally, O’Connell is close to thieving Wes Phillips from the Rams, the son of Wade, grandson of Bum – who was a tight ends coach in Los Angeles. With the Vikings, Phillips will likely possess the offensive coordinator title. But it’s a little watered down – think: defensive coordinators under Mike Zimmer – because O’Connell said on Thursday he will call all offensive plays for the Vikings.
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Regardless, Phillips can start his O’Connellish path, manning the job of offensive coordinator under a head coach who calls the offensive plays and is an “offense guy.”
O’Connell also communicated on Thursday his vision for the Vikings to emulate the Rams — both in terms of scheme and success. While McVay was “blocking interviews,” O’Connell commended his former boss for tremendous leadership and mentorship. So, it checks out for O’Connell’s plans to bring some of the gang to Minnesota along with him.
But Cooley won’t be there – McVay has grander plans for him.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. 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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