Robb Akey Is the Vikings’ Defensive Line Coach

September 15, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Idaho Vandals head coach Robb Akey yells from the sideline against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Idaho 63-14. Mandatory Credit: Crystal Logiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have reached outside the NFL coaching circle to pluck a college talent for their ever-growing defensive staff. Multiple reports out of the whole Idaho media area say former Idaho head coach Robb Akey is moving to Mike Zimmer’s staff as defensive line coach, replacing the outgoing Brendan Daly.

Akey is a somewhat outside-the-sphere hire for Zimmer, at least compared to the guys he’s been bringing in. Akey has zero experience as an NFL position coach, having spent his entire career coaching in the college ranks. He does have a connection to Zimmer: they both coached at Weber State in the late ’80s.

He began at his alma mater Weber State in the late ’80s, then moved on to Northern Arizona where he became defensive coordinator for a couple seasons. After that it was on to Washington State as D-line coach and then DC. He finally got a shot at a head job in 2007 with Idaho of the WAC.

Akey’s tenure in Idaho was not exactly super-successful. In six seasons he went 20-50, making just a single bowl appearance, in 2009. He was relieved of his duties in October 2012 despite being under contract until 2014.

After that run in Idaho, Akey wasn’t exactly a hot commodity as a head coach in college. But he does have lots of experience teaching defensive line and obviously Mike Zimmer sees something in this guy that he likes.

The Vikings coaching staff now looks like this as far as we know:

Defensive coordinator: George Edwards

DB coach: Jerry Gray

D-Line coach: Robb Akey

Adam Zimmer will also be involved in some capacity it is believed.

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