The Vikings are eyeing Ed Donatell as their next defensive coordinator, according to Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. Nothing has been finalized just yet, but Donatell is the favorite for new head coach Kevin O’Connell. 
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Offense is O’Connell’s bread and butter, so Donatell would be able to provide him with decades of defensive know-how. All together, the 65-year-old offers 31 years of pro coaching experience, including ten years as an NFL DC.
Donatell was on the verge of joining the Seahawks’ coaching staff, but he has a much stronger opportunity in Minnesota. He’s spent the last three years as the Broncos’ DC and guided his unit to a solid showing in 2021. The Broncos allowed the eighth-fewest yards of any team last year while allowing just 322 points overall.
The Vikings have also considered ex-Bears DC Sean Desai, Ravens assistant Anthony Weaver, and Lions defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant for the role. But, by the end of the business day, Donatell could be installed as the Vikes’ new defensive lead.
“He’s spent the last three years as the Broncos’ DC and guided his unit to a solid showing in 2021.”
How much of that was Donatell and how much was the actual DC, Vic Fangio?
As a defensive coordinator before this recent sting in Denver, Donatell’s defenses mostly fell between 11th and 15th in points allowed, but he did have two outliers, rising to 5th in points allowed in 2001, and falling to 18th in 2005. He’s seems competent enough on his own.
The same has been asked about O’Connell offensively. At least he has experience. The first half of next season will be wild ride for the Vikes as these coaches all figure things out on the fly.
Along with purging some of the older players
Pretty old roster
Actually, as of May 15, 2021, the Vikings were tied for the second youngest roster in the NFL. Going into the 2022 season, the only projected starters over 30 are Kirk Cousins, Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks, along with their punter and long snapper, so two each on offense, defense and special teams. And if he’s still with the team, as I hope he is, nose tackle Michael Pierce turns 30 during the season. That’s it, unless they re-sign Patrick Peterson and maybe a back-up or two.