Vikings Coach Carousel Is Complete
Super Bowl LIX is in the books, with the Philadelphia Eagles flogging the Kansas City Chiefs and pausing Patrick Mahomes and friends’ dynasty.
Vikings Coach Carousel Is Complete
Thereafter, the New Orleans Saints punctuated the NFL’s coaching carousel by hiring the Eagles’ offensive coordinator to fill their head coach vacancy.
Five Vikings coaches and executives received attention in the NFL’s annual coaching carousel this offseason.
This is how the coaching carousel played out for the Vikings, listed in alphabetical order.
1. Brian Flores
Defensive Coordinator
Three organizations, the Chicago Bears, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the New York Jets, interviewed Flores for head coaching positions.
None hired Flores.
Last offseason, Flores received zero head coaching interviews, so perhaps 2025 symbolized a step in the right direction. For the blitz-heavy defensive mastermind, it’s “maybe next year.”
Status: Returning to Minnesota.
2. Ryan Grigson
Senior Vice President of Player Personnel
Grigson danced in the New York Jets’ search for a new general manager, though most didn’t consider him a serious frontrunner.
New York hired Darren Mougey a few weeks ago, an assistant general manager with the Denver Broncos for the last few years, and that’s that for Grigson’s GM chances in 2025. He’ll be back in the Twin Cities.
Status: Returning to Minnesota.
3. Daronte Jones
Defensive Passing Game Coordinator
A late addition to the coaching carousel, Jones could’ve joined a Vikings rival, the Chicago Bears.
But Chicago hired former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen. Then, Jones also interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Anthony Campanile got the job.
Status: Could Still Be Hired by Saints, but Probably Returning to Minnesota.
4. Josh McCown
QB Coach
Like Flores listed above, McCown interviewed for the Jets’ head coaching position, even if he was a longshot to grab the post. McCown had ties to New York from his quarterback days.
The rumor mill also hinted this offseason that McCown wouldn’t leave Minnesota for an offensive coordinator assignment — he wants a head coach job.
Status: Returning to Minnesota.
5. Grant Udinski
Asst. QB Coach
Udinski is a Jaguar.
Jaguars.com wrote last week, “The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms with Grant Udinski to become the team’s offensive coordinator, the team announced today.”
Coen said about Udinski as his new OC, “Grant will bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and a winning mindset to help lead our offense here in Jacksonville. He is a rising star in this league that has been a pillar of success for the Vikings organization and we can’t wait to have him lead our offense.”
The Vikings will need a new assistant quarterbacks coach. Udinski is the one who got away. He worked side-by-side with J.J. McCarthy in 2024.
Status: Gone; Udinski will serve as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator.
It’s Official on Brian Flores
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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