REPORT: Vikings looking at Dirk Koetter for offensive coordinator
By Chris Schad
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly looking at the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach for the open offensive coordinator position due to his passing game and experience.
As the Minnesota Vikings narrow down their search for an offensive coordinator, several names have popped up over the past week. With interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski reportedly leaving the team, Mike Zimmer has had to dig deep to try to find someone who can produce results through the air while also pounding the ball on the ground.
Hue Jackson and Mike Mularkey have been mentioned for the vacancy, but Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson believes that former Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter could be another name that Minnesota is interested in.
Insight on #Vikings OC with Stefanski unlikely to return: Minny is looking for depth of experience. Mike Mularkey has that. But don't overlook Dirk Koetter, who has been presumed across the league to be a lock for the #Falcons OC job. I think Koetter is in play in Minny as well.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) January 7, 2019
Koetter was ousted in Tampa Bay after four seasons mainly because he couldn’t get through to his franchise quarterback, Jameis Winston. Despite the disconnect, Koetter rode Winston and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick to the league’s top-ranked passing offense in 2018 and got the most out of star receiver Mike Evans along with up-and-comers Chris Godwin and Adam Humphries.
Such has been the norm for Koetter’s offense as the passing numbers have translated to a top-ten attack through the air in five of the past seven seasons. He has also been credited with helping with Matt Ryan’s development during his three seasons (2012-14) with the Atlanta Falcons while boasting top-ten passing offense in each year.
While the passing numbers have been drool-worthy, Koetter’s offenses have shown an inability to get the ground game going. Since becoming an offensive coordinator for Jacksonville in 2007, Koetter has overseen a top-ten rushing offense just four times with the last coming in 2015, his first season with the Buccaneers.
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If Koetter gets the job with Minnesota, he’ll get an upgrade in the backfield with Dalvin Cook, but it’s fair to wonder if this is a square peg in a round hole. Zimmer really wants to be able to run the ball and Koetter’s offense has never really shown signs of getting that done. But if Robinson’s report is true, his level of experience is definitely something that could help him get the job.