It does not matter if the Vikings hire an offensive or defensive head coach
By Luke Parrish
A defensive coordinator could be the right choice for the Vikings
Two of the top teams in the NFC have won playoff games this season thanks to their defense. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams both made some noise in the postseason after dominating their opponents on the defensive side of the ball.
Both of those NFC West teams have a defensive coordinator that is interviewing for the Vikings’ vacant head coaching job, and both guys are deserving of a chance.
Raheem Morris
- Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
Raheem Morris was requested for an interview after the Vikings interviewed Kwesi Adofo-Mensah for the GM job, which could be a signal of his interest in bringing aboard the current defensive coordinator of the Rams.
While Morris currently holds a defensive title, his experience in the NFL goes far beyond that. He has been defensive backs coach and a defensive coordinator in his young career and has worked with some star cornerbacks.
A.J. Terrell, DeAngelo Hall, Ronde Barber, and Jalen Ramsey are just a handful of defensive backs that have thrived under Morris. Ramsey has even spoken out about his love for Morris and his desire to get him a head coaching job in the NFL.
Albeit with a struggling record, Morris does have experience as a head coach of the Buccaneers and the interim head coach of the Falcons. He has also worked on the offensive side of the ball, serving as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator with the Falcons from 2015 to 2019.
Morris is a guy that has been around the league for a long time. He has the experience to be a very good head coach and he can turn things around for the Vikings following their recent blow-up.
DeMeco Ryans
- San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator
Another name to catch steam lately is DeMeco Ryans. Ryans, 37, is another young candidate that is making waves around the league. His performance against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs is something that should really excite the Vikings.
The 49ers held Rodgers to just 55 yards passing in the second half as they stormed back to pull off the upset win in the snow at Lambeau. For the Vikings to win the NFC North, they are going to have to do things like that consistently.
Ryans has been on the 49ers’ coaching staff since 2017 as a defensive assistant, linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator. San Francisco has won games with stout defense and a punishing run game that can put teams on their backs.
Minnesota wants to run the ball with Dalvin Cook so getting a guy that has been around the 49ers – and could even try to pry Mike McDaniel to be his OC in Minnesota – is worth a shot.
The appeal of an offensive coordinator does make sense, but defensive coaches should not be tossed aside simply because Zimmer flamed out.