Potential candidates for new D Coordinator

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

While I do think Nielsen is a good under the radar candidate based on the Saints results, I wonder if this is more information gathering than anything else. Nielsen is widely regarded as a top 3 D-line coach in the NFL. Wonder if they want his opinion on which front the Vikings should be running with their personnel. Basically could be getting an expert opinion, or more. He is worth consideration. 

You have to wonder if KOC took notice of these defenses that were playing this weekend and what they were doing. The Giants were the last 3-4 team remaining and they got dominated. Bengals, Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs all running 4-3 fronts with aggressive defensive lines. Even Dallas was impressive as hell and Jacksonville had their moments. The Vikings defense is just so far off from these other teams and it starts with scheme, so I can only hope that KOC was watching and gives this guy from New Orleans serious consideration. No idea why he is so married to this 3-4 scheme other then it worked in Los Angeles while he was there for one season. 

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

While I do think Nielsen is a good under the radar candidate based on the Saints results, I wonder if this is more information gathering than anything else. Nielsen is widely regarded as a top 3 D-line coach in the NFL. Wonder if they want his opinion on which front the Vikings should be running with their personnel. Basically could be getting an expert opinion, or more. He is worth consideration. 

You have to wonder if KOC took notice of these defenses that were playing this weekend and what they were doing. The Giants were the last 3-4 team remaining and they got dominated. Bengals, Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs all running 4-3 fronts with aggressive defensive lines. Even Dallas was impressive as hell and Jacksonville had their moments. The Vikings defense is just so far off from these other teams and it starts with scheme, so I can only hope that KOC was watching and gives this guy from New Orleans serious consideration. No idea why he is so married to this 3-4 scheme other then it worked in Los Angeles while he was there for one season. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

While I do think Nielsen is a good under the radar candidate based on the Saints results, I wonder if this is more information gathering than anything else. Nielsen is widely regarded as a top 3 D-line coach in the NFL. Wonder if they want his opinion on which front the Vikings should be running with their personnel. Basically could be getting an expert opinion, or more. He is worth consideration. 

You have to wonder if KOC took notice of these defenses that were playing this weekend and what they were doing. The Giants were the last 3-4 team remaining and they got dominated. Bengals, Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs all running 4-3 fronts with aggressive defensive lines. Even Dallas was impressive as hell and Jacksonville had their moments. The Vikings defense is just so far off from these other teams and it starts with scheme, so I can only hope that KOC was watching and gives this guy from New Orleans serious consideration. No idea why he is so married to this 3-4 scheme other then it worked in Los Angeles while he was there for one season. 

I don't necessarily think its impossible to win with a 3-4. KOC said it himself, a lot really comes down to how often you play in your base defense vs. nickel. Once you get into your passing sets everything really looks the same outside of some basic alignment. Outside of personnel the big different between all the of the defenses you named and the Vikings is the speed aspect. When you put the 49ers and Cowboys on the field defensively they fly around. Albeit there are some special talents that make that possible. 

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

While I do think Nielsen is a good under the radar candidate based on the Saints results, I wonder if this is more information gathering than anything else. Nielsen is widely regarded as a top 3 D-line coach in the NFL. Wonder if they want his opinion on which front the Vikings should be running with their personnel. Basically could be getting an expert opinion, or more. He is worth consideration. 

You have to wonder if KOC took notice of these defenses that were playing this weekend and what they were doing. The Giants were the last 3-4 team remaining and they got dominated. Bengals, Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs all running 4-3 fronts with aggressive defensive lines. Even Dallas was impressive as hell and Jacksonville had their moments. The Vikings defense is just so far off from these other teams and it starts with scheme, so I can only hope that KOC was watching and gives this guy from New Orleans serious consideration. No idea why he is so married to this 3-4 scheme other then it worked in Los Angeles while he was there for one season. 

I don't necessarily think its impossible to win with a 3-4. KOC said it himself, a lot really comes down to how often you play in your base defense vs. nickel. Once you get into your passing sets everything really looks the same outside of some basic alignment. Outside of personnel the big different between all the of the defenses you named and the Vikings is the speed aspect. When you put the 49ers and Cowboys on the field defensively they fly around. Albeit there are some special talents that make that possible. 

To me the biggest difference is the scheme. The soft shell coverage was a absolute disaster. We tried to play our undersized linebackers behind a 3-4 front and got eaten alive by lineman getting to the second level unabated and them not being able to get off blocks. There was zero creativity in any blitz packages which was supposed to be the big benefit in switching to a 3-4 front. I don't think any of that had to do with player speed. It was all just terrible scheming and a bad fit for our players, which most of us saw coming a mile away. I told everybody last offseason that switching to a 3-4 was a mistake and it was compounded by bringing in Donatell to run it. It played out exactly how I expected it would. I guess we will find out just how stubborn and married to the scheme KOC is with the hiring of his next DC. 

If it were me, I'd hire this guy from New Orleans, switch back to a 4-3, and make Daron Payne my top offseason target in free agency. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

While I do think Nielsen is a good under the radar candidate based on the Saints results, I wonder if this is more information gathering than anything else. Nielsen is widely regarded as a top 3 D-line coach in the NFL. Wonder if they want his opinion on which front the Vikings should be running with their personnel. Basically could be getting an expert opinion, or more. He is worth consideration. 

You have to wonder if KOC took notice of these defenses that were playing this weekend and what they were doing. The Giants were the last 3-4 team remaining and they got dominated. Bengals, Eagles, 49ers, and Chiefs all running 4-3 fronts with aggressive defensive lines. Even Dallas was impressive as hell and Jacksonville had their moments. The Vikings defense is just so far off from these other teams and it starts with scheme, so I can only hope that KOC was watching and gives this guy from New Orleans serious consideration. No idea why he is so married to this 3-4 scheme other then it worked in Los Angeles while he was there for one season. 

I don't necessarily think its impossible to win with a 3-4. KOC said it himself, a lot really comes down to how often you play in your base defense vs. nickel. Once you get into your passing sets everything really looks the same outside of some basic alignment. Outside of personnel the big different between all the of the defenses you named and the Vikings is the speed aspect. When you put the 49ers and Cowboys on the field defensively they fly around. Albeit there are some special talents that make that possible. 

To me the biggest difference is the scheme. The soft shell coverage was a absolute disaster. We tried to play our undersized linebackers behind a 3-4 front and got eaten alive by lineman getting to the second level unabated and them not being able to get off blocks. There was zero creativity in any blitz packages which was supposed to be the big benefit in switching to a 3-4 front. I don't think any of that had to do with player speed. It was all just terrible scheming and a bad fit for our players, which most of us saw coming a mile away. I told everybody last offseason that switching to a 3-4 was a mistake and it was compounded by bringing in Donatell to run it. It played out exactly how I expected it would. I guess we will find out just how stubborn and married to the scheme KOC is with the hiring of his next DC. 

If it were me, I'd hire this guy from New Orleans, switch back to a 4-3, and make Daron Payne my top offseason target in free agency. 

All for Payne or any pass rusher for that matter, if they can come up with the money. Really depends on their approach to the roster. 

I agree with everything you mentioned, that piece is very scheme driven within the 3-4 and how its being called. Team like the Chargers, Broncos, etc. have had great success with shell coverages. That is where scheme/coaching/personnel all come to a head. While I don't think the Vikings roster was a great fit for the 3-4 I still feel like there are some good examples that the installation was poor. 

The speed issue reared its ugly head when looking at how the Vikings closed in space. The best defense' in the league let their back 7 roam within their zones. There were just too many examples where the Vikings lost contain on the edges, missed tackles, or let small dump-offs in space go for 10+ yards purely due to guys not being able to capably get there quick enough 

The Eagles don’t have a base front, they run both a 3 man & 4 man front depending on the opponent…

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/will-eagles-be-3-4-defense-or-4-3-answer-unusual

@"Kentis" said: The Eagles don’t have a base front, they run both a 3 man & 4 man front depending on the opponent…

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/will-eagles-be-3-4-defense-or-4-3-answer-unusual

You really don't have to. When the Vikings were running Zimmer's defense they player with 3 down lineman from time to time. Its really not that uncommon. Just uncommon if you're Donatell. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: 3rd. That Bengals defense is not a star-studded team, but they seem to get a lot out of what they have. In fact, their whole team seems to overachieve. Their offensive line is in shambles but it doesn't seem to affect them much. 

I was thinking the same to myself yesterday, its a real team defense vs. a star-studded unit. They have the pieces to make it work, but they definitely over-achieve. 

They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..
I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem.

I assume he's the fallback position after the good candidates see how bare the personnel cupboard is on D and and say thanks but no thanks.

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

I also like that he was responsible for coaching the Saints Defensive Line. Since 2017, they have the 3rd most sacks in the NFL. He knows how to pressure and get after the QB. Something we rarely saw with Donatell. 

Hes also had one of the best DL in Cam Jordan all that time.  If there is one player out there that you just press play its him.  I'm not saying he isn't a good coach,   just that it's easier with players like Jordan to work with.

True, but you could also make that same argument against Donatell who had Hunter and virtually did nothing with him most of the season. A good coach takes what he has to work with and gets the most out of them so it will be nice to see that happen for the Vikings Defense next season. 

Beat me to it - he had Hunter AND Z

Z had like 9 sacks 10 games in, then barely any the back 1/2 of the season.

That contusion was certainly part of it, but so was _onatell

@"greediron" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

I also like that he was responsible for coaching the Saints Defensive Line. Since 2017, they have the 3rd most sacks in the NFL. He knows how to pressure and get after the QB. Something we rarely saw with Donatell. 

Hes also had one of the best DL in Cam Jordan all that time.  If there is one player out there that you just press play its him.  I'm not saying he isn't a good coach,   just that it's easier with players like Jordan to work with.

True, but you could also make that same argument against Donatell who had Hunter and virtually did nothing with him most of the season. A good coach takes what he has to work with and gets the most out of them so it will be nice to see that happen for the Vikings Defense next season. 

Beat me to it - he had Hunter AND Z

Z had like 9 sacks 10 games in, then barely any the back 1/2 of the season.

That contusion was certainly part of it, but so was _onatell

Film takes about 8 weeks to catch up.  _onatell didn't adjust at all and offenses learned this.  Not surprising they gave up 30+ points 6 times after week 9.  Zero times week 9 and prior.

@"greediron" said:

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1616981545021046784?t=yczkJHTSZnF9T7Cbjm9NMg&s=19

I like this. Saints are always very stingy on defense.

I also like that he was responsible for coaching the Saints Defensive Line. Since 2017, they have the 3rd most sacks in the NFL. He knows how to pressure and get after the QB. Something we rarely saw with Donatell. 

Hes also had one of the best DL in Cam Jordan all that time.  If there is one player out there that you just press play its him.  I'm not saying he isn't a good coach,   just that it's easier with players like Jordan to work with.

True, but you could also make that same argument against Donatell who had Hunter and virtually did nothing with him most of the season. A good coach takes what he has to work with and gets the most out of them so it will be nice to see that happen for the Vikings Defense next season. 

Beat me to it - he had Hunter AND Z

Z had like 9 sacks 10 games in, then barely any the back 1/2 of the season.

That contusion was certainly part of it, but so was _onatell

Film takes about 8 weeks to catch up.  _onatell didn't adjust at all and offenses learned this.  Not surprising they gave up 30+ points 6 times after week 9.  Zero times week 9 and prior.

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

The Vikings are planning to see how some of the HC scenarios shake out before making an immediate decision on DC. Evero is someone who is high on the list, he is interested in working with KOC as well. His situation with Denver even in a lateral move isn't an issue. So until he gets a HC job would anticipate him being an under the radar candidate. 

If Evero goes elsewhere I have been led to believe Desai is the top candidate. Mainly with the intention of staying with the 3-4 base. He runs the Fangio system as well but has proven to be much more aggressive than Donatelle was. He is also known as a strong teacher. 

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

The Vikings are planning to see how some of the HC scenarios shake out before making an immediate decision on DC. Evero is someone who is high on the list, he is interested in working with KOC as well. His situation with Denver even in a lateral move isn't an issue. So until he gets a HC job would anticipate him being an under the radar candidate. 

If Evero goes elsewhere I have been led to believe Desai is the top candidate. Mainly with the intention of staying with the 3-4 base. He runs the Fangio system as well but has proven to be much more aggressive than Donatelle was. He is also known as a strong teacher. 

well if KOC is hell bent on staying in a 34,  and the goal is the Fangio system.... why not just bring in the guy that gets credit for the system?  Is Fangio not interested in the Vikings opening,  or is it the other way around?

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

The Vikings are planning to see how some of the HC scenarios shake out before making an immediate decision on DC. Evero is someone who is high on the list, he is interested in working with KOC as well. His situation with Denver even in a lateral move isn't an issue. So until he gets a HC job would anticipate him being an under the radar candidate. 

If Evero goes elsewhere I have been led to believe Desai is the top candidate. Mainly with the intention of staying with the 3-4 base. He runs the Fangio system as well but has proven to be much more aggressive than Donatelle was. He is also known as a strong teacher. 

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"supafreak84" said: They apparently interviewed Pettine today. No thanks, as he was part of the problem..

I'm not really interested in Flores. Desai might be ok. To me, the guy most interesting is the guy from New Orleans. Still think it would be worth interviewing someone from that Bengals defensive staff before all is said and done 

To me, that was more out of Courtesy than anything else. I doubt he will be on the new staff when the season starts. The competition for the best D Coordinators is heating up as several are being considered for HC positions like Flores with the Cardinals, or have several interviews pending or completed with other teams. Nielsen and Desai have met with several other teams already. We better identify who we want quickly and aggressively go after them. Why Flores would consider the Cardinals when they are part of the same lawsuit is baffling to me. Seems more like a Rooney Rule check the box thing than real interest. Hope I'm wrong for his sake because he deserves another opportunity after the shit show in Miami. I also wish Evero is on KOC's short list but I'm guessing that Denver is only letting him interview for Head Coach openings which he already has with the Texans and Colts. 

The Vikings are planning to see how some of the HC scenarios shake out before making an immediate decision on DC. Evero is someone who is high on the list, he is interested in working with KOC as well. His situation with Denver even in a lateral move isn't an issue. So until he gets a HC job would anticipate him being an under the radar candidate. 

If Evero goes elsewhere I have been led to believe Desai is the top candidate. Mainly with the intention of staying with the 3-4 base. He runs the Fangio system as well but has proven to be much more aggressive than Donatelle was. He is also known as a strong teacher. 

well if KOC is hell bent on staying in a 34,  and the goal is the Fangio system.... why not just bring in the guy that gets credit for the system?  Is Fangio not interested in the Vikings opening,  or is it the other way around?

Fangio isn't interested nor have the Vikings really reciprocated interest due to some culture aspects. But all in all I don't think that going with Evero or Desai means they are going to simply mimic Fangio's approach either. There are iterations to how that defense is run. I also think the Vikings want the defense to better fit the personnel than simply force players to perform roles they aren't good at. E.G Kendricks playing switch-zone over the middle & leaving Harry as a 2-high safety the majority of the time.