We’re starting to get even more clarity on the Vikings head coaching search. According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune (on Twitter), Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will get a second interview with Minnesota. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter), Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will visit Minnesota for an in-person interview on Wednesday.
Serving as New York’s defensive play-caller during Joe Judge‘s tenure, Graham improved the unit considerably in 2020. The Giants ranked ninth in scoring defense, after their 2019 unit ranked 30th. But the team regressed this season, falling back to 23rd. DVOA slotted Graham’s second Giants defense 18th, however.
Harbaugh had a chat with the Vikings on Saturday, and there have been reports that the Vikings wanted an in-person interview with the current Michigan coach. They’ll ultimately get their wish, and Harbaugh will take another major step in returning to the NFL. Harbaugh, 58, spent four seasons with the 49ers before leaving for Ann Arbor after the 2014 season. He has been connected to various teams in the past, but this year represents the closest link to the former NFC champion coach returning to the NFL.
Meanwhile, Pelissero notes (on Twitter) that 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has declined a second interview with the Vikings, with Ryans looking to “further his development in San Francisco.” That leaves four candidates for the job: Graham, Harbaugh, and Rams coordinators Kevin O’Connell and Raheem Morris.
They can do all the second interviews they want we know the Vikes are not letting Harbaugh slip through.
Harbaugh is just using the Vikings as leverage against Michigan…Don’t think for a minute the massive pay cut he took last year isn’t factoring into this…
So you think he would fly to Minnesota ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY to leverage his position for more money? This to me is a done deal. Watch.
He’s looking to leave the college ranks. I doubt that he’s using Michigan to get more money. He wants out!
Agreed. He’s not leaving Michigan for the Vikings. He just wants to boost his pay and make a statement to them that he’s in control, because that’s who he is.
NNNNOOOOOOO . . . I really wanted DeMeco to get the job . . .
Also I really hope the guy leading the Giants’ defense DOESN’T get the job. I’m rooting for Raheem now.
O’Connell. Foolish if not.
Eeesh without Ryans the list looks crappier.
Harbaugh would be interesting should the Vikings go all out with their current roster.
Ya true harbs can really work w raw pro talent for a season or two before the game just wears on him and the players
Odd choice for Jim to go.
I wonder who is interviewing who. I suspect this is a situation like the Raiders, i.e., Harbaugh is showing up to hear their offer.
I’d be surprised to see Harbaugh take the Vikings job. I believe he’s using them as leverage for the Dolphins job, with Miami being the destination he’s interested in. Problem is Miami’s owner is Stephen Ross and Michigan would probably remove his name from their Business School if he takes Harbaugh from them. This way by interviewing w/ the Vikings Harbaugh is showing he’s the one who wants to leave, thus freeing up Ross to pursue him.