Mike Zimmer Lands Coordinator Job!

Last offseason, Keenan McCardell, the highly respected wide receivers coach for the Minnesota Vikings, was sought after by the Patriots and Buccaneers for their offensive coordinator positions. However, despite the interest, McCardell chose to remain with the Vikings for a third season. While he hasn’t been approached for offensive coordinator vacancies this year, there is a growing anticipation that he may be considered soon.

McCardell’s impact on the Vikings has been significant, earning him praise from players like Justin Jefferson, who advocated for his retention when Kevin O’Connell took over as head coach in 2022. In a coaching staff transition where most assistants were replaced, McCardell stood out as the only major coach retained. His influence extends beyond Jefferson, as he played a crucial role in the impressive rookie season of Jordan Addison and the development of players like K.J. Osborn and Jalen Nailor.

With 16 seasons as a prolific receiver in the NFL, McCardell is seen as a potential future coordinator and even a head coach. While the Vikings hope to retain him for the 2024 season, it appears inevitable that the 54-year-old coach will eventually receive a more prominent opportunity elsewhere. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin recently identified McCardell as an “underrated coordinator candidate” in this year’s hiring cycle.

Although McCardell is better known for his playing career, where he achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for the Buccaneers and Jaguars, his coaching contributions in Minnesota have not gone unnoticed. With eight teams currently searching for a new offensive coordinator, McCardell’s name is likely to surface for interviews in the coming weeks, given his proven success and the abundance of coaching vacancies.

In addition to McCardell, Benjamin also highlighted Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Vikings, as another underrated coordinator candidate. Zimmer, who hasn’t held an NFL job since 2021, spent 2022 as a consultant for Jackson State, assisting a staff led by Deion Sanders that achieved a 12-1 record. With a substantial defensive background, including six years running the Bengals defense, Zimmer could be an appealing coordinator option for teams looking to bolster their defensive strategies. Currently, seven teams are in need of a new defensive coordinator, presenting potential opportunities for Zimmer as the league’s coaching landscape continues to evolve.