02-25-2025, 05:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-25-2025, 05:43 PM by purplefaithful.)
INDIANAPOLIS — The Vikings added assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter, who wasn’t necessarily beloved by all of his former players.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell hired Carter, coming off two years as the Jets' O-line coach following five years as the Titans' O-line coach, to replace outgoing assistant Shaun Sarrett, who accepted a promotion with the Jaguars.
Carter, 42, was called out last year by one of his former players, ex-Titans tackle Taylor Lewan. When ex-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was fired last year, Lewan wrote on social media that he “loved his coaching staff (besides Keith Carter).” Two of Carter’s former players, ex-Jets tackle Mekhi Becton and ex-Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco, commented in agreement.
O’Connell called Carter a “tough, kind of gritty guy” who will fit their secondary role in the O-line room. He also sees Carter improving a Vikings run game that ranked 23rd in yards per carry last season.
“A former No. 1 [offensive line coach] that’s been involved in some of the best rushing attacks over the last four, five, six years,” O’Connell said. “He’s at a great time in his career where he really wanted to come to Minnesota. Really think he’s going to be able to help us a lot, infuse some things into our run game.
“You’ll find some things about him in regards to being tough on his players. But I think in the No. 2 role, he’s going to be really good for us.”
Carter “speaks the same language” regarding playbook terminology, O’Connell said, having worked with a similar style of offense in Atlanta under Kyle Shanahan in 2015 and 2016.
The Vikings' 2025 coaching staff has yet to be finalized, and more additions are expected.
Source: Startribune
Head coach Kevin O’Connell hired Carter, coming off two years as the Jets' O-line coach following five years as the Titans' O-line coach, to replace outgoing assistant Shaun Sarrett, who accepted a promotion with the Jaguars.
Carter, 42, was called out last year by one of his former players, ex-Titans tackle Taylor Lewan. When ex-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was fired last year, Lewan wrote on social media that he “loved his coaching staff (besides Keith Carter).” Two of Carter’s former players, ex-Jets tackle Mekhi Becton and ex-Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco, commented in agreement.
O’Connell called Carter a “tough, kind of gritty guy” who will fit their secondary role in the O-line room. He also sees Carter improving a Vikings run game that ranked 23rd in yards per carry last season.
“A former No. 1 [offensive line coach] that’s been involved in some of the best rushing attacks over the last four, five, six years,” O’Connell said. “He’s at a great time in his career where he really wanted to come to Minnesota. Really think he’s going to be able to help us a lot, infuse some things into our run game.
“You’ll find some things about him in regards to being tough on his players. But I think in the No. 2 role, he’s going to be really good for us.”
Carter “speaks the same language” regarding playbook terminology, O’Connell said, having worked with a similar style of offense in Atlanta under Kyle Shanahan in 2015 and 2016.
The Vikings' 2025 coaching staff has yet to be finalized, and more additions are expected.
Source: Startribune
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