Those changes are still happening as the Minnesota Vikings are currently making changes to their coaching staff. Head coach Kevin O’Connell made some changes at the end of the year, allowing for a new position coach to arrive while retaining defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media revealed this morning that the team is hiring coaches Frank Smith, Keith Carter, Gerald Alexander and Ryan Nielsen as part of their changes.
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On offense, Frank Smith will become the team’s assistant head coach. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to 2025. Keith Carter was an assistant offensive line coach with the Vikings last season, but now he’s been promoted to primary offensive line coach, replacing Chris Cooper.
On defense, Gerald Alexander joins the Pittsburgh Steelers as the team’s defensive backs coach and defensive passing coordinator. He replaces Daronte Jones, who left the position to become defensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders. Ryan Nielsen joins the Buffalo Bills in 2025 as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings add to coaching staff for 2026 season
