In addition to being a former head coach of the Browns, Mike Pettine has been a defensive coordinator for the Jets, Bills, and Packers. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Vikings plan to hire Mike Pettine, but not as defensive coordinator

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors | By Ely Allen | Last updated 2/13/22

Now that Super Bowl LVI is over, the Vikings should be able to start proceeding with their coaching staff hires. One coach expected to join the staff in Minnesota is former Browns head coach Mike Pettine, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Contrary to prior rumors that Pettine was the favorite to land the defensive coordinator job, Pelissero tweeted out that, with Ed Donatell reportedly hired to be the defensive coordinator, Pettine will join the staff in a different capacity.

So far, no Minnesota coaching hires have officially been announced but, with the Rams’ season finally over, the Vikings will be happy to welcome Super Bowl Champion Kevin O’Connell to the facility. With O'Connell's focus no longer on a postseason run, he and the Vikings can start making moves to build their new staff.

One of those first moves is Pettine. Although he will not serve as the defensive coordinator of the Vikings, Pettine brings a plethora of experience, having served in that role for the Jets, Bills, and Packers. He will also be able to provide some valuable head-coaching insights to the rookie O’Connell. Pettine spent last season as a senior defensive assistant for the Bears after not being retained as the Packers’ defensive coordinator following an NFC Championship Game loss to the eventual Super Bowl LV champion Buccaneers.

Along with O’Connell, Donatell, and Pettine, rumored hirings in Minnesota include Chris Kuper as the expected offensive line coach, Chris Rumph as the expected defensive line coach, and Curtis Modkins as the expected run-game coordinator and backfield coach. Expect for official hires to start being announced and for the rest of the coaching staff to start coming into focus.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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