New Head Coach Candidates
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?
@"mgobluevikes" said: 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.
Truer words have never been spoken :)
Zimmer is a lesser version of Buddy Ryan - both should have never risen above DC jobs.
But with all the rule changes that seem to always benefit the offensive side of the ball I still lean very hard at an offensive guru type for our next HC.
Roman has a ton more coaching experience then either O'Connell or Moore that is for sure.
Looking into another hot name for HC is Brian Daboll the OC for the Bills.
The development of Josh Allen has been amazing but how much credit does he get? I have no clue. Allen took a huge leap last year that I have rarely seen a QB make after a couple subpar seasons.
But then I read more of Daboll's background and the coaches he worked with were some of the worst..Ha!
National Football League[edit]Daboll began his NFL coaching career with the New England Patriots as a defensive coaching assistant in 2000 before being promoted to wide receivers coach for the Patriots in 2002. After the 2006 season, he left the Patriots to serve as the Jets' quarterbacks coach.
In 2009, Daboll joined Eric Mangini's staff in Cleveland as offensive coordinator. Under Daboll the Browns had the NFL's 32nd ranked offense in 2009 and the 29th ranked offense in 2010. Daboll was named Offensive Coordinator of the Miami Dolphins under Tony Sparano in 2011, with his Dolphins improving from 30th in the league to 20th in overall offense. On February 6, 2012 the Kansas City Chiefs announced the hiring of Daboll as offensive coordinator, replacing the retired Bill Muir. Daboll had previously worked with Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel, general manager Scott Pioli and quarterback Matt Cassel in the New England Patriots organization. On January 14, 2013, the New England Patriots announced that he would be brought back in a coaching capacity for the remainder of the Patriots 2012–13 season. On February 5, 2017, Daboll was part of the Patriots coaching staff that won Super Bowl LI. In the game, the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28 in overtime.
Todd Downing (Titans current OC) is an intriguing candidate.
- He is young (41)
- Calls a balanced game with physical running game
- Coached for the Vikings before
- Born in MN (Eden Prairie)
- Adjusted the offense since Henry went down
- Has a top 10 offense and QB playing within scheme and very efficient
- Has held multiple positions on offensive side of the ball with a lot of experience
Fun fact…
All OCs that have worked for Vrabel have become head coaches a year or two after being named OC.
- LaFleur - got GB head coach job after one year as OC.
- Authur S - got Atlanta head coaching job after two years as Titans OC
@"mblack" said:
Todd Downing (Titans current OC) is an intriguing candidate.
- He is young (41)
- Calls a balanced game with physical running game
- Coached for the Vikings before
- Born in MN (Eden Prairie)
- Adjusted the offense since Henry went down
- Has a top 10 offense and QB playing within scheme and very efficient
- Has held multiple positions on offensive side of the ball with a lot of experience
Fun fact…
All OCs that have worked for Vrabel have become head coaches a year or two after being named OC.
- LaFleur - got GB head coach job after one year as OC.
- Authur S - got Atlanta head coaching job after two years as Titans OC
Just saw this nice find who was completely off my radar!!
Minnesota Vikings (second stint)[edit]On February 19, 2018, Downing was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as a senior offensive assistant. Following the sudden passing of Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano prior to training camp in 2018, tight ends coach Clancy Barone was shifted to coach the offensive line, alongside Sparano's assistant offensive line coach, Andrew Janocko. Downing was moved from senior offensive assistant to tight ends coach to fill the vacant position.
On January 29, 2021, Downing was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Arthur Smith, who departed to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
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