The biggest vacancy left on the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff has reportedly been filled with Wes Phillips being named as the team’s next offensive coordinator.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the news on Sunday after Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson announced the expected hire earlier in the evening.
Phillips was serving as the tight ends coach and pass game coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams before he got the opportunity to interview for the Vikings job. The fact that O’Connell made him a top target says a lot considering the two worked closely together within the Rams offense all of last season.
This is a big step up in responsibilities for Phillips, who continues to follow in the footsteps of his father Wade Phillips, a former longtime NFL head coach and defensive coordinator.
O’Connell confirmed during his introductory press conference that he would be handling all of the offensive play-calling. So that’s one worry off Wes Phillips’ mind as he works to get acclimated to his new position.