Forum The Longship New Head Coach Candidates

New Head Coach Candidates

supafreak84
Joined Jan 2014
1,536 posts
Rep: 1,439

I say this with all sincerity in that I've been a Mike Zimmer supporter, but this is a results based business and here we sit at 0-2 in a make or break year for Zim. I hope more then anybody we turn things around, but the realist in me has also been looking at the potential head coaching talent pool that's put there. For me, this would be my list of the top guys I'd like to see the Wilf's look at should they move
 on from Zim:

- David Shaw (HC Stanford): I've been on this bandwagon for a long time. Offensive innovator who runs a high level, pro style offense at the college ranks. His father Willie, was a one time defensive coordinator for the Vikings. 

- Kellen Moore (OC Dallas): Only 33 years old but he's smart enough for long time head coach Mike McCarthy to give up play calling duties. Former Boise State QB who was one of the sharpest players I've ever seen, who many predicted for future coaching greatness. This is a league where the coaches have gotten younger and teams need to stay ahead of the curve. I'd have zero problem with the Vikings rolling the dice on Moore.

- Joe Brady (OC Panthers): Another rising star in the coaching ranks. Oversaw one of the most prolific offenses in college history at LSU on their way to a national championship. Justin Jefferson played under Brady there. Took the same position in Carolina last season and has turned the career around of Sam Darnold so far. He is going to be a hot name for head coaching positions this offseason despite only being 32. 

To me the theme has to be getting in an innovator on offense and someone with fresh ideas and perspectives. I'm not an Eric Bienemy fan and firmly believe Andy Reid runs that ship and is responsible for most of their success and schemes offensively. 

Any names out there I'm missing that you guys believe would be a good fit here in Minnesota?

Liked:
#1 · Sep 24, 12:19 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Out of that list, Brady is my favorite.

Liked:
#2 · Sep 24, 1:30 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Would be thrilled with any of those 3. Kellen Moore probably my favorite. Definitely agree we need to go offensive-minded. The way the league is set up now with the rules changes over the past 10-15 years, defensive coaches no matter how great they are, are swimming upstream.

Liked:
#3 · Sep 24, 2:06 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Kellen Moore all day

Liked:
#4 · Sep 24, 2:42 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

I think ownership/ front offices need to step out in the cutting edge at times also. When you get a Mike Tomlin or to a lesser degree a Stefanski type in your organization, you HAVE to keep him. 

If you have a good coach in place ask him to stay on in some capacity. If you have a great coach in place, get some picks or something of value. 

Liked:
#5 · Sep 24, 3:05 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Brian Daboll O-coordinator for the Bills is discussed as a replacement as well.

Liked:
#6 · Sep 24, 4:40 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

kellen moore!!

Liked:
#7 · Sep 24, 4:59 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"Bullazin" said: I think ownership/ front offices need to step out in the cutting edge at times also. When you get a Mike Tomlin or to a lesser degree a Stefanski type in your organization, you HAVE to keep him. 

If you have a good coach in place ask him to stay on in some capacity. If you have a great coach in place, get some picks or something of value. 


Isn't there a rule that prevents you from "owning" assistant coaches and demanding compensation even if they are under contract?  I was thinking as long as your season is over they are free to interview for jobs that would be a step up like OC to HC?

Liked:
#8 · Sep 24, 5:12 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Doug Peterson, Josh McDaniels, Mike Kafka, Bob Stoops, Lincoln Riley

Liked:
#9 · Sep 24, 5:27 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"JimmyinSD" said:
@"Bullazin" said: I think ownership/ front offices need to step out in the cutting edge at times also. When you get a Mike Tomlin or to a lesser degree a Stefanski type in your organization, you HAVE to keep him. 

If you have a good coach in place ask him to stay on in some capacity. If you have a great coach in place, get some picks or something of value. 


Isn't there a rule that prevents you from "owning" assistant coaches and demanding compensation even if they are under contract?  I was thinking as long as your season is over they are free to interview for jobs that would be a step up like OC to HC?


IDK on your question. Sounds likely now that you mention it. I guess if you have a great coach you really shouldnt care anyway. I think we’ve had 1 great coach since 61.   That said its not that easy to know, I just remember it when Tomlin got off to such a great start- and I didnt like Brad “Chiliwacker” Childress much, shit he made Zimmer seem reckless when it comes to conservative offense. 

Liked:
#10 · Sep 24, 5:35 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Mike LaFleur would be a fun choice…

Liked:
#11 · Sep 24, 6:15 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Shaw is by far the only legit candidate out of that bunch.  The other two are fortunate to be OCs.  

Liked:
#12 · Sep 24, 8:10 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Hey, the pressers would be a hoot, and he already dons the purple well.... :p

Liked:
#13 · Sep 25, 6:37 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Lotta good potential out there, which means our football challenged mgmt will go with Bieniemy and keep us suffering.

Liked:
#14 · Sep 25, 8:46 AM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

slow your roll, great win today! Defense finally showed up! 

Liked:
#15 · Sep 26, 5:28 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

speed up your roll today, shitty loss yesterday.  Team did what it always does - finds a way to lose and play like jekyl and hyde from week to week.  I do blame that on coaching....so back to the OP question.

Liked:
#16 · Oct 4, 12:33 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Bumping this thread and hoping a moderator can "paste/sticky" to the Top so we can have a dedicated page on Coach candidates and discussion.

Liked:
#17 · Nov 2, 1:42 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

@"supafreak84" said:
I say this with all sincerity in that I've been a Mike Zimmer supporter, but this is a results based business and here we sit at 0-2 in a make or break year for Zim. I hope more then anybody we turn things around, but the realist in me has also been looking at the potential head coaching talent pool that's put there. For me, this would be my list of the top guys I'd like to see the Wilf's look at should they move
 on from Zim:

- David Shaw (HC Stanford): I've been on this bandwagon for a long time. Offensive innovator who runs a high level, pro style offense at the college ranks. His father Willie, was a one time defensive coordinator for the Vikings. 


- Kellen Moore (OC Dallas): Only 33 years old but he's smart enough for long time head coach Mike McCarthy to give up play calling duties. Former Boise State QB who was one of the sharpest players I've ever seen, who many predicted for future coaching greatness. This is a league where the coaches have gotten younger and teams need to stay ahead of the curve. I'd have zero problem with the Vikings rolling the dice on Moore.


- Joe Brady (OC Panthers): Another rising star in the coaching ranks. Oversaw one of the most prolific offenses in college history at LSU on their way to a national championship. Justin Jefferson played under Brady there. Took the same position in Carolina last season and has turned the career around of Sam Darnold so far. He is going to be a hot name for head coaching positions this offseason despite only being 32. 


To me the theme has to be getting in an innovator on offense and someone with fresh ideas and perspectives. I'm not an Eric Bienemy fan and firmly believe Andy Reid runs that ship and is responsible for most of their success and schemes offensively. 


Any names out there I'm missing that you guys believe would be a good fit here in Minnesota?


Just adding some info for us all to consider:


Kellen Moore who just got a backup QB throw for 325 yards against us:


Dallas Cowboys[edit]In 2018, after retiring from the NFL, he became the Cowboys' quarterbacks coach after the Cowboys long time coach Wade Wilson retired. On January 31, 2019, the Cowboys officially announced Moore would be promoted to offensive coordinator. Following Jason Garrett's release as Cowboys' head coach after 10 seasons, FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer reported new coach Mike McCarthy had expressed interest to keep Moore on the coaching staff, which McCarthy did. 


So - 1 year as QB coach
Then promoted to OC by Garrett and retained by McCarthy.  I think he has called the plays his whole time as OC so he has 2.5 years of calling plays.

Liked:
#18 · Nov 2, 1:57 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0
@"minny65" said:
@"supafreak84" said: I say this with all sincerity in that I've been a Mike Zimmer supporter, but this is a results based business and here we sit at 0-2 in a make or break year for Zim. I hope more then anybody we turn things around, but the realist in me has also been looking at the potential head coaching talent pool that's put there. For me, this would be my list of the top guys I'd like to see the Wilf's look at should they move  on from Zim:

- David Shaw (HC Stanford): I've been on this bandwagon for a long time. Offensive innovator who runs a high level, pro style offense at the college ranks. His father Willie, was a one time defensive coordinator for the Vikings. 

- Kellen Moore (OC Dallas): Only 33 years old but he's smart enough for long time head coach Mike McCarthy to give up play calling duties. Former Boise State QB who was one of the sharpest players I've ever seen, who many predicted for future coaching greatness. This is a league where the coaches have gotten younger and teams need to stay ahead of the curve. I'd have zero problem with the Vikings rolling the dice on Moore.

- Joe Brady (OC Panthers): Another rising star in the coaching ranks. Oversaw one of the most prolific offenses in college history at LSU on their way to a national championship. Justin Jefferson played under Brady there. Took the same position in Carolina last season and has turned the career around of Sam Darnold so far. He is going to be a hot name for head coaching positions this offseason despite only being 32. 

To me the theme has to be getting in an innovator on offense and someone with fresh ideas and perspectives. I'm not an Eric Bienemy fan and firmly believe Andy Reid runs that ship and is responsible for most of their success and schemes offensively. 

Any names out there I'm missing that you guys believe would be a good fit here in Minnesota?


Just adding some info for us all to consider:

Kellen Moore who just got a backup QB throw for 325 yards against us:



That isn't an indicator of Moore's abilities, lol. 

Liked:
#19 · Nov 2, 2:14 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Here is a name I have not heard very much but will probably become a hot candidate with the Rams success:  Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator, Los Angeles RamsAge/experience fyi:  He is a couple years older and has a couple more years of coaching experience then Kellen Moore.  O'Connell is 36 and Moore is 33.  Sean McVay was only 30 when he was hired as the Rams HC and after about 3 years as OC with the Redskins.  So you have a current 4 year HC of the Rams at 34 and his OC is 36.  

O'Connell coaching background:Cleveland Browns
On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season.
San Francisco 49ersO'Connell was hired to the offensive staff of the San Francisco 49ers on February 26, 2016.
Washington Redskins

O'Connell in a game against the Dallas Cowboys
On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired to be the quarterbacks coach of the Washington Redskins. O'Connell himself was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2019 season, with Cavanaugh moving to a senior assistant role. Following the season's end, O'Connell was not retained by incoming new head coach Ron Rivera.
Los Angeles RamsOn January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator.

Liked:
#20 · Nov 2, 3:21 PM
DE
Joined Apr 2026
206,512 posts
Rep: 0

Already mentioned Greg Roman. Has experience in developing QB's. Worked with Andrew Luck at Stanford. Was in SF for their SB run. Has been O-coord. with Ravens for last 2 years and improved offense and Lamar Jackson.

As with everyone, it comes down to how they can manage a staff and have a big picture mentality. Being a genius at one aspect of the game does not a great head coach make.

Liked:
#21 · Nov 2, 4:17 PM
Log in to reply.

Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)

Warn Poster

Suspend User (3 days)

The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.

Forum The Longship New Head Coach Candidates
Return to top ↑

Welcome to VikeFans!

Welcome back, Skol fans! This is our new home. Log in with your username or email and your existing password.


Be sure to check out the How To's and Questions forum for guides on getting around the new site, and use the Help Request forum if you run into anything that you need help with. Skol!