The Vikings are eyeing Ed Donatell as their next defensive coordinator, according to Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Nothing has been finalized just yet, but Donatell is the favorite for new head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Offense is O’Connell’s bread and butter, so Donatell would be able to provide him with decades of defensive know-how. All together, the 65-year-old offers 31 years of pro coaching experience, including ten years as an NFL DC.
Donatell was on the verge of joining the Seahawks’ coaching staff, but he has a much stronger opportunity in Minnesota. He’s spent the last three years as the Broncos’ DC and guided his unit to a solid showing in 2021. The Broncos allowed the eighth-fewest yards of any team last year while allowing just 322 points overall.
The Vikings have also considered ex-Bears DC Sean Desai, Ravens assistant Anthony Weaver and Lions defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant for the role. But it sounds like Donatell is the frontrunner at this point.
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