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5 candidates to replace Mike Zimmer as Vikings head coach

By Brad Berreman

Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Brian Daboll, Buffalo Bills
Credit: Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images /

3. Brian Daboll, Bills Offensive Coordinator

Daboll is in his third season as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo. If the early results for Josh Allen in his own third season as the Bills’ quarterback continue, head coaching buzz for Daboll as the season goes on seems sure to follow.

Daboll has been an offensive assistant, and occasionally the coordinator, at his prior stops in the NFL (New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets) going back to 2002. He also spent the 2017 season as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama, which surely benefited his development as an offensive mind as he got a taste of the college game under Nick Saban.

The Vikings hired an older long-time defensive coordinator in Zimmer back in 2014. Daboll is younger (45), with roots firmly on the offensive side of the ball. That’s called going the opposite direction of what you had, which drives coaching changes across sports. In terms of the NFL, head coaching changes have recently skewed young and toward offensive minds.

Daboll would not be a “win the press conference” head coaching hire, for the Vikings or any other team. But he also might be the perfect hire for someone, and if Zimmer is dismissed he should be on Minnesota’s radar.

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