The NFC North may only get tougher for the Minnesota Vikings.
After taking last in the division, the Vikings have some consolation in going 4-2 against divisional foes, including a sweep of the Detroit Lions, who were weathering their first season without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The Lions fired Johnson’s replacement, John Morton this week and have already set their sights on a coach who could make next year’s matchups against Detroit more difficult.
On Thursday, January 8, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions “have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniels about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say. McDaniel is a top candidate for any open OC job.”
Inheriting a poor offensive situation in Miami, McDaniel worked wonders overnight. He led the Dolphins offense from ranking 22nd in scoring to No. 11 in his first year as head coach, followed by a No. 2 finish in 2023. He’s credited with leading the Dolphins to back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time in two decades, and also has a historic 70-point outburst with his hands on the controls.
McDaniel is considered the brain behind the San Francisco 49ers‘ potent rushing attack, helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl and multiple deep playoff runs.
If McDaniel cannot find a head coaching job elsewhere, the Lions’ offensive coordinator role would be one of the most enticing, considering the wealth of weapons in Detroit.
The Lions have ranked in the top five in scoring for four straight seasons, including a No. 4 finish in 2025, despite Dan Campbell taking over playcalling responsibilities midseason.
Vikings Defensive Coach Lands Key Interviews, And It’s Not Brian Flores
The Vikings are facing their own coaching crisis with Brian Flores becoming a top candidate for several head coach openings.
If Flores leaves, passing game coordinator Daronte Jones, who is highly regarded as one of the few holdovers who were retained from the Mike Zimmer regime, would be a strong candidate to replace Flores.
However, Jones is piquing interest elsewhere.
The New York Jets have requested an interview with Jones, who is also expected to speak with the Dallas Cowboys about a new position as defensive coordinator.
The Cowboys would likely prefer Flores, but appear prepared to pivot to Jones if Flores accepts a head coaching position.
Losing the top two defensive minds in Minnesota would be detrimental to the defense Flores has built and likely leave the Vikings searching for external candidates who would install their own system.
Vikings Show Remorse About Letting Kevin O’Connell’s Protege Leave
The Vikings offense struggled getting their young quarterbacks, J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, ready to operate the offense at a high level.
While time on task is a main culprit, so is the translation of key concepts and installation of optimal play designs on any given week.
That was assistant Grant Udinski’s role, before he left for the offensive coordinator position in Jacksonville under Liam Coen.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported this week that there was some early remorse this season with losing Udinski, as the transition was difficult for the offensive staff to handle.
“We should have done everything we could to keep him,” one team source told Lewis earlier in the season.
Kevin O’Connell will need to reassess his coaching philosophies and how much he gives to his assistants moving forward.
Vikings Get Bad News Amid NFC North Rival’s Coaching Move