5 Ed Donatell replacements Vikings need to reach their ceiling
Scouting Report. Associate Def. Coach. 60. Pick Analysis. Seattle Seahawks. Sean Desai. 4. player
Vikings could make a run at rising star Sean Desai to replace Ed Donatell
There are going to be some people who suggest that Minnesota take a look at one of the most respected defensive minds the NFL has seen in the last decade, Vic Fangio. That wouldn’t be the worst idea, to be sure (even if he’s not going to be mentioned in this list). However, it might be better to go after a younger branch of his tree, which is where Sean Desai would come into play.
Desai worked on the Bears staff for some time but was let go after the 2021 season when the coaching regime changed. However, he was quickly snatched up after some DC interviews last offseason by the Seahawks as an assistant head coach and defensive assistant. While Seattle wasn’t perfect, the way he and the staff maximized talent was admirable and desirable from a coaching search perspective.
Already this offseason, Desai has interviewed with the Browns (who eventually hired Jim Schwartz) and has a knack — much like his mentor in Fangio — for using exotic coverages and diversified looks to confuse opposing quarterbacks and ultimately allow his units to succeed based on scheme.
While the Vikings aren’t devoid of talent, there are holes to fill in the secondary and otherwise for Minnesota. Bringing in someone with the creativity and eye of Desai would allow them to build up the roster further while still finding success, making him a highly attractive candidate for the job.