Vikings Announce Leadership Changes
As the 2026 offseason marches forward, the Vikings have had to sort through a pile of leadership changes. Standing above all other stories have been the ability to retain DC Brian Flores alongside the decision to fire GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (alongside a short-term pickup to help fill the void).
Within the coaching staff, Minnesota has seen a pile of talented leaders take off. Daronte Jones, for instance, is now the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders while Brian Angelichio is working as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Several other coaches — Michael Hutchings, Tony Sorrentino, and others — got scooped up. As a result, some extra help has been needed.
Vikings Solidify Coaching Changes
To begin, note the top leaders. A quick-hitter list:
- Kevin O’Connell, Head Coach
- Frank Smith, Assistant Head Coach
- Brian Flores, Defensive Coordinator
- Wes Phillips, Offensive Coordinator
- Matt Daniels, Special Teams Coordinator
Standing above all other coaches are O’Connell and Flores. Both have proven to be above-average options, with O’Connell being a good coach while Flores often sits in elite territory.
Smith is the new name within that crew, replacing Mike Pettine. In the past, Smith has worked for the Dolphins, Chargers, Raiders, Bears, and Saints. His backround is on offense.
Note, as well, that Daniels has proven to be very good, someone who has pushed Will Reichard, Andrew DePaola, Ryan Wright, and Myles Price (among others) up to excellent performances on specials. Meanwhile, Phillips comes across as being very passionate and knowledgeable about football, though he’s overshadowed since he doesn’t call plays.
Shrinking things down to just the offense brings these names to the forefront:
- Chris O’Hara, Assistant Offensive Coordinator
- Keith Carter, Offensive Line
- Derek Warehime, Assistant Offensive Line
- Ryan Cordell, Tight Ends & Game Management Coordinator
- Keenan McCardell, Wide Receivers
- Derron Montgomery, Assistant Wide Receivers
- Josh McCown, Quarterbacks & Passing Game Coordinator
- Jordan Traylor, Assistant Quarterbacks & Passing Game Specialist
- Curtis Modkins, Running Backs & Running Game Coordinator
- Kyle Caskey, Offensive Quality Control
- Ben Ellefson, Offensive Assistant
Shrinking things down to just the defense brings these names to the forefront:
- Gerald Alexander, Defensive Backs & Passing Game Coordinator
- Chenzo Funari, Assistant Defensive Backs
- Thad Bogardus, Outside Linebackers
- Dalmon Gibson, Assistant Linebackers
- Ryan Nielsen, Defensive Line & Running Game Coordinator
- Patrick Hill, Assistant Defensive Line
- Mike Siravo, Inside Linebackers & Senior Defensive Assistant
- Charlie Frye, Defensive Assistant
- Will Johnson, Defensive Assistant
Finally, there are the coaches who don’t fit as easily into those categories. Chili Davis is helping on special teams as an assistant. Henry Schneider IV is the Vikings’ version of Dwight Schrute as Assistant to the Head Coach.
The Vikings are coming off a 9-8 season. Essentially, an average team that was undone largely through poor quarterback play. Minnesota’s collective leadership must figure out the QB spot. If not, then the upcoming season will again lead to disappointment.
In fact, failing to reignite the quarterback spot will mean that the Vikings’ coaching staff will mean that more coaching changes will get made in the Twin Cities.
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