Fear not, Minnesota Vikings fans.
Your prayers, angry tweets, and general disdain have been heard, and the organization has made a key change just days after their Wild Card playoff loss.
Statement from Head Coach Kevin O’Connell pic.twitter.com/ntRqd4cr4A
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 19, 2023
The Vikings are officially in need of a new defensive coordinator.
As of yesterday afternoon, Ed Donatell has been fired on the heels of the worst Vikings defense in recent memory.
When looking at regular season points allowed per game, the Vikings were the second-worst defense in the league, with 25.9 points allowed.
This mark was only better than the Chicago Bears, who gave up an average of 27.1 points per game.
Although the Vikings had one of the league’s best offenses this season, their poor defense was their ultimate demise in the playoffs.
Looking ahead to 2023, the Vikings have a lot of work ahead of them.
They have many key free agent decisions to handle, including the contract of Minnesota native Adam Thielen.
This doesn’t even consider the incoming contract extension of Justin Jefferson, who will command one of, if not the largest wide receiver contract in the entire league.
From a defensive standpoint, the Vikings will also need to add several key contributors if they want to have success in that department.
Patrick Peterson isn’t getting any younger, and while he is certainly one of their best defenders, he is nearing retirement.
Whoever ends up as the next DC for the Vikings will walk into a positive situation, but will need to make the most of the limited players that they currently have on the roster.
NEXT: Justin Jefferson Had A Season To Remember In 2023