New Vikings DC

When the Minnesota Vikings hired Indianapolis Colts secondary coach Alan Williams as their new defensive coordinator not a lot was said. Maybe something at the bottom of the last page of the average sports section. He might be the Vikings most important addition of the offseason. I first became aware of Williams following the 2006 season. Mike Tomlin had just announced his coaching skills to the league as a first year defensive coordinator for the Vikings. He made such a statement that the Pittsburgh Steelers hired him as their head coach. Remarkable when you consider his great lack of experience. Not remarkable when you encounter his energy and enthusiasm. He is a striking presence. The Vikings needed a new defensive leader. Seeing what Tomlin did, I went looking for a similar coach. Young, eager, well versed in Tony Dungy's cover-2 defense. Not only was Williams similar to Tomlin, he looked like his clone. They were even teammates in college at William and Mary. Dungy got both of them started in the NFL as defensive assistant coaches with Tampa Bay. Dungy thought enough of Williams to bring him along to Indianapolis while Tomlin stayed. I figured that then Vikings head coach Brad Childress would see Williams as he saw Tomlin a year earlier. I was close. Right team. Wrong coach. Instead Williams Childress hired his Colts coaching comrade Leslie Frazier. No complaints there. When Frazier was looking for his defensive coordinator this year he looked to Indianapolis and Alan Williams.

Williams has spent over a decade coaching defensive backs. Good thing as the Vikings need a lot of help back there. They need serious help at safety. While he was in Indianapolis I was impressed with the level of play of rookies like Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers at cornerback. Williams seemed to get solid performance from his players right away. The Vikings might have some youngsters playing important rules next year. they have to learn fast. The Vikings defense was often lost last year. I hope that Williams can show them the way. Fred Pagac has returned as the linebackers coach. Mike Singletary will help him. Brendan Daly will bring new enthusiasm and passion to the defensive line. Secondary coach Joe Woods has been solid despite dealing with injuries and some marginal talent. Alan Williams needs to bring it all together.