4 candidates to be the next Vikings offensive coordinator

Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson is easily the most unlikely option of anyone on the list, but we had to put at least one outlier on here.

Jackson is a much-maligned coach who has had some dismal years as a head coach, but he does actually have a strong offensive mind. He could be a dark-horse candidate to be the Vikings offensive coordinator in 2020.

Jackson does have a history with Mike Zimmer as they coached together when both were with the Cincinnati Bengals and there were rumors circulating a year ago that he was in the running to become Minnesota’s new offensive coordinator. That obviously never happened, but the rumors could begin to swirl once again.

The Vikings’ offense would look a little different with Jackson calling the plays next season. He loves throwing the ball down the field and he will often roll with four receivers at once, sending them all down the field on deep routes.

Minnesota has the personnel to make an offense like this work. Kirk Cousins throws a beautiful deep ball while Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are two of the best receivers in the league and they can make big plays down the field. Bisi Johnson would be the third option at receiver, but the Vikings would need to draft a fourth unless they used Irv Smith Jr. to fill the role.

Jackson’s offenses have also had success running the football. He utilizes a power running scheme in an I-formation that puts two tight ends on the strong side of the formation. He also loves pulling his linemen to guide his runners through the hole. In the past, his offenses have ranked as high as second in total rushing yards when he’s in charge of calling the plays.

While Jackson is a long shot to land the Vikings’ vacant offensive coordinator job, the team has the personnel to make his offensive system work if they choose him for the role.