Just in: Vikings Poised to Lose Justin Jefferson’s Prized Coach, Insider Says
One of the few coaches the new administration kept after cleaning house two years ago is Keenan McCardell of the Minnesota Vikings wide receivers. McCardell is eager for more even though he got the chance to train Justin Jefferson, one of the league’s brightest players.
In order to advance toward his ultimate objective of head coaching, McCardell hopes to soon acquire a post as offensive coordinator, according to a January 16 article from KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
“In his head, the mind of his representation, Keenan is prepared to call plays. He is prepared to take the next step, which is to become a head coach, perhaps within the next five years or so. That’s the ultimate objective. Thus, the obvious next step is to say, “Hey, I need call plays’,” Wolfson said on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast.
“It will be interesting to observe where some of these defensive-minded [head coaching] candidates land and where they might end up. Of course, keep a watch on that. Interviews have not yet taken place, but let’s see if any of these head coaching positions are filled. If Keenan and the position make sense, Wolfson might be able to advance and eventually become an offensive coordinator.
One of the team’s most adored coaches is McCardell, 54. Adam Thielen and Jefferson pushed decision-makers to retain McCardell throughout the regime transition.
Kevin O’Connell’s right-hand man is Wes Phillips, the offensive coordinator for the Vikings at the moment. As the team’s offensive play-caller, O’Connell, it appears as though the question of when rather than if but when for McCardell to move on for more opportunities.
In contract negotiations, Justin Jefferson hasn’t made many demands, but keeping McCardell on board might be one.
The standout receiver has not publicly expressed any symptoms of discontent during the course of Jefferson’s ongoing contract negotiations. Even while his agent works to secure a deal that would break all previous records, he has remained a cooperative team member.
But Jefferson has previously batted for McCardell, and the Vikings might be a little more agitated toward Jefferson if McCardell departs. Although it wouldn’t be sufficient to end the contract negotiations, it might have an impact on the minor details that the Vikings and Jefferson’s representative have been working to iron out.
Considering their mutual chemistry from their time together with the Los Angeles Rams, O’Connell is unlikely to let go of Phillips.
Since he began coaching in 2010, McCardell has established himself as one of the top pass-catcher developers in the industry.
Before joining the Vikings in 2021, he helped D.J. Chark get selected to the Pro Bowl while coaching Stefon Diggs at Maryland.
After K.J. Osborn did not play a single offensive snap in his rookie season, he helped Jefferson lead the league in receiving yards the previous year and turned him into a starter.
Keenan McCardell Might Be Bill Belichick’s Longtime Patriots Coach
Bill Belichick is one coach who would think McCardell would be a good fit as offensive coordinator.
The New England Patriots asked McCardell to an interview last year for the role of offensive coordinator. Whether or not the interview was concluded was never disclosed by the Patriots, but McCardell is undoubtedly on Belichick’s radar and may follow the iconic coach to his next club.
After spending four seasons as a Cleveland Brown under Belichick, McCardell went on to play in two Super Bowls: one in 1996 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and another in 2003 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl.
