8 realistic candidates to be the Vikings next head coach

Josh McDaniels

• Age: 45-years-old
• Current Role: New England Patriots offensive coordinator

Some are immediately turned off when they see or hear the name Josh McDaniels, but his success as an offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots over the years is something that cannot be ignored.

McDaniels worked together with current Bucs quarterback Tom Brady for several years to come up with an offensive system that best utilized the signal-caller’s strengths out on the field and he’s done the same thing with Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones this season.

McDaniels could potentially be New England’s next head coach in waiting behind Bill Belichick. But if he’s not, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Vikings expressed interest in him to become their next head coach.

Ryan Ficken

• Age: 41-years-old
• Current Role: Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator

Most might point to co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson as the only current Minnesota assistant who could do well as the team’s next head coach, but Ryan Ficken is someone to keep an eye on as well.

Ficken is only 41, but he’s been with the Vikings since 2007. Like Kevin Stefanski before him, Ficken has learned from several different Minnesota head coaches and assistant coaches over the years. The knowledge he’s acquired over the years could help him in developing his own, unique head coaching strategy that differentiates from the current regime.

If the Vikings are looking for an internal candidate that has the chance to separate themselves from the Zimmer era, Ficken could potentially be that guy.