Vikings Coach Arrested
The Minnesota Vikings could not escape the bye week without a legal infraction.
Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips was reportedly arrested Friday for suspicion of DWI.
Vikings Coach Arrested
Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer tweeted Saturday, one day before the Vikings take on the Raiders in Las Vegas, “Vikings OC Wes Phillips arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after getting pulled over for speeding on I-394 in Minneapolis last night. He tested at a 0.10 BAC, per State Patrol.”
Phillips, 44, will allegedly travel with the team to Nevada and coach in Week 14.
The son of longtime NFL Coach Wade Phillips, Wes took over the offense in 2022 when Kevin O’Connell was hired. The Vikings’ ownership cleaned house at the top of January 2022, hiring general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after firing Rick Spielman. Adofo-Mensah then hired O’Connell in February 2022 following his team’s Super Bowl triumph with the Los Angeles Rams. O’Connell, the Rams’ offensive coordinator, brought Phillips to Minnesota. Phillips was the Rams’ tight ends coach and passing game coordinator in Los Angeles.
Phillips fetched some attention last offseason when the Los Angeles Chargers were interested in him for their offensive coordinator gig. Had Phillips taken the Chargers’ job, he would likely have more control over Los Angeles’ offense than Minnesota allows. O’Connell is the Vikings’ offensive playcaller. In theory, Phillips probably would’ve called plays for the Chargers. He declined the interview, saying the Vikings were building something and wanted to see it through.
Minnesota is no stranger to arrests in the last two seasons. In October 2022, Offensive lineman Oli Udoh was arrested in Miami for disorderly contact and resisting.
Charges against Udoh were later dropped.
Five months ago, rookie wideout Jordan Addison was charged with reckless driving after traveling 140 MPH in a 55 MPH zone in the Twin Cities. The franchise used the 23rd overall pick on Addison in April’s draft, and the young playmaker replaced Adam Thielen.
Addison said about the incident, “Yesterday morning, I made a mistake and used poor judgment. I recognize and own that. I am going to learn from this and not repeat the behavior. I am truly sorry.”
The young receiver later pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor speeding charge. He also claimed the blunder stemmed from a “dog emergency.”
It is unclear if Phillips will face stiff discipline from the NFL or the Vikings.
The Vikings offense ranks 19th per DVOA heading into Week 14. Minnesota is favored by three points to take down the Raiders this weekend.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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