The Minnesota Vikings are wasting no time reshaping their identity after a frustrating 2025 campaign. With changes already made in the front office - including parting ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah - head coach Kevin O’Connell is now turning his attention to the sidelines, retooling his coaching staff in a clear effort to reset the foundation heading into 2026.
One of the most notable hires is Frank Smith, the former offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, who’s stepping in as Minnesota’s assistant head coach. Smith spent the last two seasons working closely with Mike McDaniel in Miami, helping to craft one of the league’s most creative and explosive offenses. That kind of experience is exactly what O’Connell is looking to inject into a Vikings offense that, at times last season, lacked rhythm and consistency - especially in the run game.
Smith’s arrival signals a collaborative approach to offensive planning. While O’Connell still calls the plays, Smith brings a deep understanding of modern offensive structure, particularly in the run game, where Miami consistently found success through motion and misdirection. Expect him to have a strong voice in how Minnesota attacks defenses on the ground and through the air.
Also getting a bump is Keith Carter, who moves into the role of offensive line coach after previously serving as an assistant. It’s a promotion that suggests O’Connell sees growth potential in a group that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season. Carter’s job will be to stabilize the trenches - a must if the Vikings hope to get more out of their run game and give whoever lines up under center the protection needed to thrive.
On the defensive side, Brian Flores remains the coordinator, and that continuity is a big plus. But even with Flores staying put, the Vikings are making significant additions to the defensive staff.
Gerald Alexander, who’s earned praise across the league for his work with defensive backs, comes aboard as both the defensive backs coach and the defensive pass game coordinator. He’ll be tasked with tightening up a secondary that had its moments in 2025 but struggled to contain big plays down the stretch.
Perhaps the most intriguing hire on defense is Ryan Nielsen, the former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator. Nielsen joins as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator - a dual role that speaks to how seriously Minnesota is taking its front-seven development. With Daronte Jones leaving to become the Commanders’ defensive coordinator, Nielsen steps into a critical role, bringing with him a reputation for developing tough, physical defensive lines that can control the point of attack.
All of these moves point to a clear directive from O’Connell: elevate the coaching on both sides of the ball, build smarter game plans, and get back to playing tough, complementary football. The Vikings finished 9-8 last season, good enough for third in the NFC North, but short of the expectations that have grown during O’Connell’s tenure.
Now, with a revamped staff and a fresh approach, the Vikings are setting the stage for a bounce-back year - one where the margin for error is thin, but the potential is real.