Denver Assistants Jack Del Rio, Adam Gase Are Coaching Candidates In Minnesota

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos interim head coach Jack Del Rio watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Leslie Frazier was fired as head coach Monday morning by the 5-10-1 Minnesota Vikings. So who will be the next head coach in Minnesota? Candidates are already being lined up, at least speculatively.

Adam Schefter has begun the process of throwing out names by mentioning a pair of Denver assistants in connection with the Vikings job. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and offensive coordinator Adam Gase are both on the Vikings’ radar according to Schefter.

The Vikings reportedly have already inquired about Gase. Both coordinators are still working for Denver as the Broncos head into the playoffs.

Jack Del Rio is a name well-known to Viking fans, as he played linebacker in Minnesota for many years. Del Rio already has a stint as head coach with Jacksonville under his belt. Earlier this season he served as head coach when John Fox had a medical issue.

Penn State coach Bill O’Brien has been mentioned in connection with the Vikings as well but O’Brien is believed to be a long-shot for Minnesota.

This is only the beginning of what should prove to be a fruitful head coach speculation season. Rick Spielman is believed to have at least a double-digit list of desired candidates.

The Vikings’ last two coaches, Brad Childress and Leslie Frazier, were hired rather swiftly, but this time the organization appears willing to be patient and thorough in poring through all the candidates.

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