Former Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin could be a candidate to take over as the Vikings’ new offensive line coach, according to Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune (Twitter link). Minnesota, sadly, must search for a new line coach after incumbent Tony Sparano unexpectedly passed away on Sunday morning.
While the Vikings have yet to officially reach out to Goodwin, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and ex-Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians have both put in a good word on Goodwin’s behalf, per Goessling. Goodwin worked under Tomlin as Pittsburgh’s quality control coach from 2007-11, and served as Arizona’s offensive coordinator (but not play-caller) under Arians.
After Arians retired in January, Goodwin — unlike Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher — wasn’t offered a chance to interview for Arizona’s top job. Instead, he interviewed for offensive line jobs with the Bengals and Raiders, and was also mentioned as a possible candidate for the Giants’ offensive coordinator position, but did not land a new role. In recent seasons, Goodwin has interviewed for head coaching positions with the Rams, Bills, and Jaguars.
Following Sparano’s passing, assistant offensive line coach Andrew Janocko is leading the Vikings’ front five for the time being.