Another Vikings OL Coach on Chopping Block

The entire focus thus far for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason has been about reading the room of their coaching staff. Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere, but multiple assistants could certainly be departing.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is knocking on the door of multiple opportunities. Daronte Jones is also in line for a promotion if another organization opts for his services. Minnesota has dismissed just one coach on their own, but another could be coming.

When you finish 9-8, miss the playoffs, and fall short of expectations, that shouldn’t be a shock.

Keith Carter may be axed next by Minnesota Vikings

There’s no denying that the Minnesota Vikings struggled up front this season. That’s not great considering the team spent so much on the offensive line. Alec Lewis (The Athletic) is reporting more changes could be coming beyond just the dismissal of offensive line coach Chris Kuper.

Assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter’s role is also up in the air. The Vikings hired him last spring as Kuper’s assistant. At the time, O’Connell said, “I love what Chris Kuper has been able to do in that room. But I wanted to take the opportunity to get a former No. 1 (in Carter), a guy who has been involved in some of the best rushing attacks.”

Even with the step forward, the team continued to struggle against defensive lines with formidable talent, like the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Now, there will be a new voice in charge of the room, a new staffer to influence the design of the Vikings’ run game. Running backs coach Curtis Modkins has held the title of “run-game coordinator.” But Kuper shared primary responsibility with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips for orchestrating the plan. In the end, they are all at the whim of O’Connell’s choices as the play caller.

Whoever replaces Kuper will have some talent to work with. Jackson showed flashes at left guard. If left tackle Christian Darrisaw can return to his full workload and elite level of play, the left side of the line should be in good shape.

But there is no guarantee Darrisaw will, which is one of the variables that will weigh heavily in the level of interest external coaching candidates show in this position.

The Athletic

Adding Jordan Mason to the running game certainly helped. He provides a different skillset to that of Aaron Jones, and his ability changes things up front for the offensive line.

However, whether it’s J.J. McCarthy or someone else at QB, the blocking contingent needs to take a step forward. Kuper was let go and bringing back his top assistant in Keith Carter doesn’t make a ton of sense.

The Minnesota Vikings may just opt to overhaul the entire thing and have new voice speak to the talent they already have. At the end of the day, the organization clearly knew they needed to build in the trenches. Now they have to get the most out of that talent.