02-08-2022, 02:01 PM
- The Vikings seem to be moving on from Adam Zimmer and Andre Patterson, who were their co-DCs for the past two seasons. Both have close ties to Mike Zimmer, so it makes sense. I suppose there's still a chance Patterson could stick around if he took a demotion back to DL coach, but that seems unlikely.
- It seems like there's a strong chance the Vikings switch to a 3-4 defense this offseason, which would be a big change after running a 4-3 for so many years. O'Connell has been around a 3-4 with the Rams for the past couple years, and all three of the names listed above are primarily 3-4 coaches. That would have a significant impact on the Vikings' personnel and how they shape the roster moving forward.
- Rams run game coordinator and DL coach Eric Henderson is a name to keep in mind if O'Connell wants to bring someone with him from LA. Assistant secondary coach Jonathan Cooley could be a target as the Vikings' DBs coach, too.
- Former Packers DC Mike Pettine was rumored as an option by CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, but I'm not putting much stock into that because La Canfora has consistently been wrong on every Vikings-related story this offseason.