Minnesota Vikings Coaching Rumors: Darrell Bevell, Dan Quinn to get second interviews
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 12-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The favorite for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching vacancy is reportedly Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, but the Vikings have cast a wide net in their head coaching search and are going to continue to run through their list of candidates before coming up with a list of three or so finalists. One of those potential finalists is Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who had a great interview with the Vikings earlier this week.
Two other potential finalists for the Vikings head coaching gig are currently coordinators for the Seattle Seahawks, as offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn both received interviews with the Vikings. According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Ben Goessling, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is expected to get second interviews done with both Quinn and Bevell, and it will be interesting to see how things move forward in that regard. The Vikings have also shown interest in Denver Broncos coordinators Adam Gase and Jack Del Rio, who used to be the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Based on those four coordinators, it’s safe to say that the Vikings want guys who are coaching for high-level teams.
The Vikings seem to be more interested in hiring a defense-minded head coach than one who bases his game on offense, even though former head coach Leslie Frazier was clearly based on the defensive side of the ball and the Vikings need a franchise QB. Their defense is in trouble, and the Vikings best option is just to hire the best guy available.
Darrell Bevell is obviously a very interesting name among the offense-minded head coaching candidates the Vikings are mulling over, since he used to be the team’s OC. I think he’s a very good OC and better than Bill Musgrave, but I’m not sure if Bevell is head coach material.