2025 was a tough year for the Minnesota Vikings. Not only were there numerous injuries and challenges presented to the team, but the team was ineffective at times, even when they could get the starters on the field.
One area where the Vikings struggled the most was the offensive line. The team tied for the second-most sacks allowed this season with 60, which isn't good when you have J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer behind center.
The purple and gold can't have a situation like this again next season. Whether it is a change of scheme or personnel, something has to be done to keep the team's quarterback upright and help out a struggling offense.
The Minnesota Vikings are making a coaching change that shouldn't surprise the team's fans.
ESPN's Kevin Seifert shared the news on X that the Minnesota Vikings are moving on from offensive line coach Chris Kuper. Kuper's contract expired after the 2025 NFL season, and he will not be brought back.
The Vikings are moving on from OL coach Chris Kuper, whose contract has expired. He was an original member of Kevin 0’Connell’s 2022 staff. So at least one significant, albeit unsurprising, change to the offensive staff.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) January 17, 2026
The task given to Chris Kuper in 2025 was extremely challenging. His starting left tackle was essentially week-to-week once he returned from injury. His center suffered multiple concussions. And his right tackle got banged up as well.
Backups and injuries, along with inexperience at quarterback, put the writing on the wall for Kuper. It would have been absolutely shocking if Minnesota had offered him a contract extension after this season.
However, this means the Vikings will need to hunt for a replacement offensive line coach this offseason. Since it is also likely that Minnesota will need to replace its defensive coordinator, a lot will be on general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell to hire the best people possible for the team's staff.
Expect the Vikings to once again look for offensive line help this offseason. After spending big on guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. Minnesota will need competition and depth at multiple positions on the line and could look to make those moves during the 2026 NFL Draft.
In the meantime, Minnesota Vikings fans will be watching closely to find out what the team is going to do this offseason to ensure they don't end up in a situation similar to what happened in 3035. Let's hope that the general manager and head coach get those decisions right so the purple and gold can be a playoff team in 2026.