The regime shift for the Minnesota Vikings has already brought about much-needed change with not only the coaching staff but the front office as well. However, there was one change players were adamant about not seeing happen, and that was Keenan McCardell being removed as the receivers coach.
Well, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the players will get their wish with the Vikings retaining McCardell’s position on the staff.
“The #Vikings are retaining wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell, per source,” Fowler posted on social media. “He will stay on with Kevin O’Connell’s new staff to continue his work with Justin Jefferson and Co.”
The #Vikings are retaining wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell, per source. He will stay on with Kevin O'Connell's new staff to continue his work with Justin Jefferson and Co.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 11, 2022
McCardell joined the Vikings this season after spending the previous four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The impact he had on the team was obvious given the success so many players had on the field.
Justin Jefferson was named to his second All-Pro team in a year where he came within 17 yards of breaking Randy Moss’ single-season receiving yards record (1,632).
K.J. Osborn went from not having a single catch as a rookie to hauling in 50 passes for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. Adam Thielen was still effective when healthy, and rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette showed flashes of greatness when he had his opportunities.
Back in January, some of the receivers took to social media to convince the team to keep McCardell on staff. Thielen, on the other hand, spoke publicly about it during an appearance on Unrestricted with Ben Leber.
“[Coach McCardell] really made me a better football player this season. If you did something really well, he expected that out of you,” said Thielen. “…I’m standing on the table for him because he made us, as a receiving unit, better football players.”
The players got their guy, and incoming head coach Kevin O’Connell has another great football mind to pair with a new staff that’s finally coming together in Minnesota.
