The Minnesota Vikings aren’t wasting any time reshaping their football operation. Just a day after parting ways with General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the organization turned its focus to revamping Kevin O’Connell’s coaching staff-and the early moves signal a clear intent to bring experience and fresh perspective into the building.
Leading the wave of hires is Frank Smith, who steps in as the Vikings’ new assistant head coach. Smith spent the last four seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, where he helped build one of the league’s most explosive and innovative offenses.
While Mike McDaniel called the plays in Miami, Smith’s fingerprints were all over the Dolphins’ offensive design and development, particularly in the trenches and with the run game. His addition gives O’Connell a trusted lieutenant with a strong background in offensive line play and scheme versatility-two areas that could use a boost in Minnesota.
Joining Smith on the offensive side is Keith Carter, who returns to Minnesota as the offensive line coach. Carter previously served as an assistant offensive line coach with the Vikings before stints elsewhere, and now he takes on a bigger role with the unit that has long been a work in progress. His coaching style is known for being hands-on and detail-oriented, and he’ll be tasked with getting more consistency and physicality out of a group that has shown flashes but struggled with injuries and cohesion.
On the defensive side, the Vikings are bringing in Gerald Alexander as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. Alexander spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he helped guide a secondary that played with discipline and physicality. A former NFL safety himself, Alexander brings a player’s mentality to coaching-expect him to emphasize fundamentals, communication, and ball skills in a Minnesota secondary that’s still developing its identity.
Perhaps the most intriguing hire is Ryan Nielsen as the new defensive line coach. Nielsen has a deep résumé, having served as defensive coordinator for the Saints, Falcons, and Jaguars, and most recently as a senior defensive assistant with the Buffalo Bills in 2025.
Known for his aggressive, attack-minded philosophy up front, Nielsen is the kind of coach who can elevate a defensive line’s play through technique, toughness, and scheme. His presence should bring a new edge to a front that’s looking to be more disruptive.
All in all, this is a staff refresh that feels intentional and strategic. The Vikings are clearly trying to surround O’Connell with experienced voices who can elevate both sides of the ball. With a major front office vacancy still to fill, Minnesota’s offseason is just getting started-but this coaching overhaul is a strong first step in what looks like a pivotal year for the franchise.