With the Super Bowl now in the books, the Minnesota Vikings are officially in full offseason mode-alongside the rest of the league. And make no mistake, this is a pivotal stretch for the franchise. The roster has holes to patch, big decisions to make, and with the front office undergoing a shakeup, the pressure is squarely on head coach Kevin O’Connell to steer the ship.
One of the first moves? A shift on the coaching staff-specifically at tight ends coach.
Ryan Cordell Steps Into Tight Ends Coach Role
With Brian Angelichio departing to become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, the Vikings had a key vacancy to fill. Rather than bringing in someone new, they’re promoting from within. Ryan Cordell, who has served as Minnesota’s game management coordinator and passing game specialist, is stepping into his first positional coaching role in the NFL.
Cordell’s been with the Vikings since 2022 and has steadily climbed the ladder in the coaching ranks. His journey began as an intern with the San Francisco 49ers back in 2014, followed by a stint with the Cleveland Browns starting in 2019. Now, after four years in Minnesota, he’s earned the opportunity to take on a more hands-on role with a position group that’s going to be under the microscope this offseason.
A Tight End Room Full of Questions
Cordell won’t be easing into a quiet gig-he’s walking into one of the more uncertain position groups on the roster.
The headline name, of course, is T.J. Hockenson.
When healthy, he’s one of the most dynamic pass-catching tight ends in the league. But health is a big caveat, and so is his 2026 cap hit, which is sitting north of $21 million.
That makes Hockenson a prime candidate for either a contract restructure or a potential release if the front office decides to reallocate those dollars elsewhere.
Then there’s Josh Oliver, who quietly had a strong season, especially during the stretches when Hockenson was sidelined. Oliver’s blocking has long been his calling card-he’s widely regarded as one of the top in-line blockers at the position-but he’s also shown flashes as a reliable target in the passing game. The Vikings extended him last summer, and he’s looking more and more like a foundational piece in this offense.
Add in Gavin Bartholomew, the rookie tight end drafted last April, and there’s a bit of a wild card in the mix. Bartholomew didn’t see the field in his first season due to injury, but the team still has high hopes for his development. Cordell’s task will be to help mold the young tight end into a contributor-something that could pay dividends if Hockenson’s situation leads to a roster shakeup.
A Crucial Offseason for Kevin O’Connell’s Staff
With general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah out, Kevin O’Connell has even more influence over how this team evolves heading into 2026. That means every coaching hire carries added weight-and Cordell’s promotion is no exception.
This is a big opportunity for a young coach to prove he can develop talent and contribute to the offensive identity O’Connell is trying to build. The tight end room might be in flux, but it also has the potential to be a strength-especially if Cordell can get the most out of a group that blends veteran skill with untapped potential.
The Vikings aren’t just retooling-they’re redefining. And Ryan Cordell is now a key part of that process.