The Minnesota Vikings have finally filled the role of defensive line coach vacated by Chris Rumph back in December. The team announced on Friday afternoon that they have hired former Broncos defensive line coach Marcus Dixon to the same position.
Along with Dixon, the Vikings also added outside linebackers coach to Mike Pettine’s title. The hire makes sense, as head coach Kevin O’Connell has brought in numerous coaches who have spent time on the same staff with him. Dixon’s first year coaching in the NFL was in 2021 when he joined Sean McVay’s staff with the Los Angeles Rams, a staff where O’Connell was the offensive coordinator.
Pettine has served on O’Connell’s staff as the assistant head coach and adds outside linebackers coach to his title. He replaces Mike Smith, who took a personal leave during the 2023 season. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Smith and the Vikings have parted ways.
There could be more coaching moves but it appears that only assistant offensive line coach needs to be filled heading into the 2024 season.
