Smith, who served as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator under Mike McDaniel, is expected to emphasize the Vikings’ run game. His title allows him to focus on big-picture run-game design, aligning with O’Connell’s stated goal of retooling Minnesota’s ground attack.
The move comes as the Vikings’ run game struggled last season, ranking 23rd in yards per game (108.3) and tallying only 410 rushing attempts (27th). The personnel picture could get bleaker if veteran back Aaron Jones is released to help manage a more than $40 million cap deficit.
Cutting Jones would save about $7.75 million in cap space but would leave Jordan Mason as the likely lead back, a role he isn’t fully equipped for as a receiver and with limited NFL durability. The Vikings would then face fresh needs on defense and along the line, complicating an already tight roster plan.
O’Connell also promoted Keith Carter to offensive line coach, targeting improvements in both run blocking and pass protection after the unit ranked 18th in the league per Pro Football Focus.
ESPN’s Matt Miller projected Minnesota’s early- and mid-round choices on defense, with safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and defensive tackle Lee Hunter tied to the No. 18 and No. 49 picks, respectively. That defensive emphasis could influence how the Vikings address the backfield in a potential mid-to-late-round RB or short-term free-agent scenario as JJ McCarthy enters his second season as the starting quarterback.
