Patriots Hire Former Vikings D-Line Coach Brendan Daly

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) and defensive end Brian Robison (96) during the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have not yet announced who the defensive line coach will be for 2014 but we know who it won’t be. It won’t be Brendan Daly, because he reportedly has been hired by the New England Patriots.

Daly was hired away from the Rams by the Vikings two years ago to replace Karl Dunbar, who himself moved on to the Jets. It seemed possible that Daly might be retained by Mike Zimmer, given Daly’s reputation as a solid position coach, but obviously someone decided to go in a different direction.

Zimmer so far has added George Edwards to his staff as DC and Jerry Gray as DB coach. Fred Pagac is reportedly under consideration to remain as LB coach. Zimmer’s son Adam is being considered for an as-yet-unknown role on the defensive staff.

Daly did a good job in his two years in Minnesota, helping Brian Robison and Everson Griffen develop. He wasn’t given a ton to work with in terms of defensive tackle talent until last year when the Vikings spent a first rounder on Sharrif Floyd.

The 2014 Vikings will look very different on the D-line with Jared Allen and Kevin Williams likely leaving, and possibly Griffen as well.

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