Vikings O-Line Vibes are Noticeably Different

While most of the 2025 Minnesota Vikings coaching staff remains intact, one of the first moves made this offseason at offensive line, when they let offensive line coach Chris Kuper walk instead of signing him to a new contract.

Instead of looking outside the organization for a new coach at that position, the MN Vikings elevated assistant OL coach, Keith Carter, in his place. At the time, the swap didn’t sit all that well around league circles.

Kuper is well-respected around the NFL, which is why he immediately landed the vacant offensive line coaching job for the Philadelphia Eagles. Carter, meanwhile, came with a style and reputation that has rubbed some former players the wrong way. His laundry list of complaints on record are rather easy to find.

Keith Carter, Frank Smith changing vibes Vikings o-line

Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen seemingly have no such complaints, at least so far. All word out of Eagan is that, under Carter and new running backs coach Frank Smith, o-line vibes are immaculate right out at TCO Performance Center.

Not only are the vibes good, but the entire group is bringing a noticeably different type of intensity and attention to detail that the Vikings believe internally will help implant a deeper commitment to the run game in 2026.

Local insider and Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis (The Athletic) was the first to notice something different, but veteran right tackle (and team leader) Brian O’Neill confirmed that things have been much different this offseason in the o-line room.

Carter and Smith wasted no time in making an impact. The intensity increased. In the hope of improving the run game, they infused practice with more drills focused on vertical double teams and attacking off the line of scrimmage. Preparing for the passing game, the Vikings designed ways to replicate the stunts they frequently see against opponents.

“It’s definitely been different than in years past,” right tackle Brian O’Neill said. “It has felt different. I don’t want to give away too much. But one of the things we’ve said is, we’ve had a great, defined culture in our room. We need to keep that great, well-defined culture and have great, well-defined standards as well. The idea is that we’re going to raise the bar, play better as a group and play better as individuals. You want to be expected to play great. That is the expectation. And that’s how it’s being coached.”

The Athletic

More changes coming to Minnesota Vikings

Fixing the offensive line was only one in a hoard of MN Vikings questions that needed answered when the MN Vikings entered the 2026 offseason. While there’s still plenty left to do between now and the start of training camp in late July, the vision is starting to come together.

Now, Rob Brzezinski has passed the front office torch to Nolan Teasley — who will be steering the ship from here. In his first week as general manager, Teasley quickly reshaped the front office in his own image by parting ways with four high-ranking executives and hiring two new assistant GMs from outside the organization..

Related: Harrison Smith Retirement Decision Not Expected Until Preseason

Eventually, that will start to reflect in player personnel decisions, as well, though head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will both have power when it comes to roster decisions, as well.

But I love what we are hearing early on with the offensive line. If the Minnesota Vikings want to commit to the run and more of a zone power scheme that can pack on some “explosives” through hand-offs, that could change the entire dynamic of how KOC’s offense works and (maybe) how he calls a game.

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