The Minnesota Vikings recently decided to decline a contract extension for offensive line coach Chris Kuper.
Our own Trevor Squire provided some reasoning on Kuper being let go by the Vikings.
“The Minnesota Vikings poured major investment into their offensive line last offseason to no avail.
After signing former Indianapolis Colts starters Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to deals worth a combined $105 million and drafting Donovan Jackson in the first round, the Vikings offensive line finished the 2025 season ranked 31st in pass protection.
Injuries were the bane of the team’s struggles on the offensive front as the starting unit played just 89 snaps together all season.”
Thus, the Vikings are on the search for a new lead-man in the o-line room. Unfortunately, one leading candidate is off the board.
Vikings Lose Out on Two Top Candidates for Offensive Line Coaching Gig
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
This isn’t the first major candidate in the race for the Vikings to lose out on. Last week, Bill Callahan signed with the Atlanta Falcons. This came after Atlanta decided to part ways with Ledford.
NFL Media‘s Mike Garafolo shared a tidbit on the signing of Callahan in Atlanta, per Adam Patrick of The Viking Age.
“Callahan had previously worked with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell when both were members of the Washington Commanders‘ coaching staff from 2017 to 2019. But instead of reuniting with O’Connell, the veteran offensive line coach will join Stefanski in Atlanta.”
Patrick continued on Ledford.
“With Callahan expected to take over as the Falcons’ offensive line coach, that frees up Dwayne Ledford, who had been Atlanta’s offensive line coach and run game coordinator for the last five seasons.
Under Ledford, the Falcons consistently had one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, and he would be a tremendous upgrade over what the Vikings had with Kuper for the last few years, especially if he can help improve Minnesota’s rushing attack as well.”
Obviously, Minnesota missed out on Ledford as well. Ledford has agreed to terms to join the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, per Adam Schefter.
“Baltimore Ravens are expected to hire former Falcons run game coordinator/OL coach Dwayne Ledford for the same job and title, per source. Ledford was with the Falcons since 2021, and helped lead a run game that finished in the top 10 in rushing the past three seasons.”
Minnesota May Be Hiring Within to Fill Vacancy
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 25: General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of the Minnesota Vikings speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Per a report from Alec Lewis, the Vikings may be looking to promote Keith Carter to the lead position of the offensive line.
Carter served as the Vikings’ assistant offensive line coach in 2025. He also spent time with the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons in recent years. Carter has been a leading voice in some good rooms and winning teams, including the Seahawks‘ Super Bowl XLVIII-winning squad.
Vikings Miss Out on Top Coaching Candidate