7 bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings 2020 offseason
By Chris Schad
Vikings will fill their coaching staff internally
After the Vikings were dismantled by the 49ers in the NFC divisional round last week, offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski left to become the head coach of the Cleveland Browns and defensive coordinator George Edwards and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray both were relieved of their duties.
This leaves several holes in Minnesota’s coaching staff and with the uneven nature of last season, it could be a good chance to start over. Unfortunately, Mike Zimmer does not see it that way. In his season-ending press conference, Zimmer stressed the need for continuity, especially on the offensive end of the ball.
"“I like the scheme. I like the continuity that we have offensively with the coaches, and I feel like if we add a couple more pieces and continue to work on the execution of staying with the same play calls, the same system, the same motions and formations and things like that, it’ll definitely help the offensive players.”"
That seems to indicate that the Vikings will hire from within on the offensive side of the ball and the trio that seemed to be running their offense in 2019 should be the front runners. Between assistant head coach Gary Kubiak, quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak, or offensive line/running game coordinator Rick Dennison, Minnesota will look to stay with what they know and continue to be a ground and pound team in 2020.
On the defensive side of the ball for the Vikings, it’s a little more unclear. The defensive coordinator position is a little different considering Zimmer calls the plays and one of the early candidates has actually been his son, Adam, who has been working as the team’s linebackers coach.
It would be surprising to see Minnesota go outside the organization to fill these roles, meaning this team will almost look the same (even if the players are different) next season.