The Finalists

The Minnesota Vikings search for their new head coach is nearing a conclusion. They have their finalists. 

Kevin O’Connell, Los Angeles Rams Offensive Coordinator

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator

Patrick Graham, New York Giants Defensive Coordinator

Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan Head Coach

Due to Kevin O’Connell and Raheem Morris having one more game on their schedule, a Vikings delegation went to see them. Mark Wilf, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski, and new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah flew to Southern California yesterday for second interviews with O’Connell and Morris. It’s not convenient that the candidates are coaching in the Super Bowl but it’s convenient that they are coaching for the same team. The Vikings can interview both on the same trip. The Vikings were also planning to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans on their California trip. That didn’t happen as Ryans decided that he has unfinished business with the 49ers. That’s understandable. He’s only been a coordinator for a single season. It’s still disappointing. As his 49ers defense stifled top offenses each round of the playoffs, Ryans emerged as my favorite to be the next Vikings head coach. 

The Vikings delegation returned home a little earlier than expected. The final two finalists are coming to Minnesota for their interviews.

Patrick Graham-today

Jim Harbaugh-tomorrow

Patrick Graham intrigues me. I think that his scientific study of football intrigues Adofo-Mensah. I’m not sure if that intrigue is enough to move him to top of the finalist list. When news broke Saturday night that the Vikings had a little chat with Jim Harbaugh it was all fun and games. Things feel a lot more serious now that he’s coming to Minnesota on National Signing Day. That’s a big day for a big-time college head coach at a big-time college. It’s also a pretty shitty way to treat the college that you supposedly love. He played quarterback at Michigan. He coached at Michigan for seven years. That isn’t the best way to end things. Then again, a professional life with Harbaugh isn’t always easy. I’m beginning to feel like the Vikings decision-makers are leaning toward Harbaugh. Graham might be a last-minute replacement for Ryans to satisfy the Rooney Rule so that they can hire Harbaugh on Wednesday. On Signing Day. Right now, I’m not a fan of Harbaugh as the next Vikings head coach. He can be so damn tiresome. The Vikings don’t need tiresome. He’s also a little crazy. The Vikings definitely don’t need crazy. His time in San Francisco was daily drama. The Vikings don’t need drama. Harbaugh is a terrific football coach but he can also be a terrific problem. If he’s the Vikings head coach by the end of the week, I’ll be a fan of his. I’ll have no choice but to be a fan of his. 

My favorites of the finalists:

1. Raheem Morris

2. Kevin O’Connell

3. Patrick Graham

4. Jim Harbaugh

If a decision is made this week, only Graham and Harbaugh can start work this week. Morris and O’Connell can’t join the Vikings until their work is done with the Rams. I hope that doesn’t factor into the decision. I want the Vikings to hire their #1 choice no matter how long they have to wait to get him in the building.