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.
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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.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Shrinking things down to just the offense brings these names to the forefront:
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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.
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on against the Tennessee Titan during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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.