Former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith was hired as assistant head coach, with a focus on the run game design, replacing Mike Pettine, who retired earlier this month. Smith is expected to play a pivotal role in crafting the Vikings’ running scheme for 2026.
Keith Carter was promoted to offensive line coach, taking over for Chris Kuper. The promotion aligns with the team’s emphasis on shoring up the offensive line, a unit the Vikings believe needs to improve to bolster both the run and pass games.
On the defensive side, Daronte Jones left to become Washington Commanders defensive coordinator. Gerald Alexander, who previously worked with Brian Flores in Miami, will replace Jones as defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. Ryan Nielsen will take over as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator, bringing prior experience as Jaguars defensive coordinator and, earlier in his career, as Falcons DC and Bills senior assistant.
The coaching moves come as the Vikings seek to elevate both the offensive and defensive lines after a disappointing 2025 season. Smith’s background in Miami’s run game design under Mike McDaniel is viewed as the most notable addition, with expectations that he will influence the 2026 run scheme significantly.
Vikings owner Mark Wilf characterized the Adofo-Mensah tenure as needing a measured departure, stressing that the decision was not reactionary to last season’s results or an isolated issue. He underscored the importance of a productive offseason, including the draft, noting concerns about draft equity under the former GM.
With Adofo-Mensah out, Rob Brzezinski has stepped in to lead football operations on an interim basis while the club conducts a thorough search for a long-term executive. Brzezinski, a 27-year Viking veteran known for cap management and organizational stability, could emerge as a potential permanent GM, a scenario bolstered by internal support from coaches and staff.
As the Vikings move through the offseason, the focus will be on rebuilding the roster through the draft and free agency, while integrating the new coaching staff and ensuring leadership buy-in across the organization. The combined changes reflect a broader strategy to stabilize football operations and improve on-field performance in 2026.
