The Minnesota Vikings crashed out of this year’s postseason action after their super wild-card round defeat against the New York Giants. After walking into the playoffs with a 13-4 record, the defensive collapse against the Giants called for some action before resuming things for next season. And Kevin O’Connell has obliged.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced the firing of defensive coordinator and 42-year coaching veteran Ed Donatell on Thursday. And fans didn’t flinch when they saw the news, considering many were wishing for it to happen earlier. The Vikings were positive at the offense this year, but their defense let them down.

Minnesota Vikings’ defense under Donatell was in shambles

Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and the Vikings offense showed up this season. In his first year as head coach, O’Connell and his boys won 13 games in the regular season for only the second time in franchise history. The Vikings also won the crown of the NFC North division for the first time since 2017. However, their defense was one of the worst in the league, despite ranking high in takeaways.

Adult Film Star Johnny Sins Features On Minnesota Vikings Jumbotron During Military Tribute

Their 25.1 points allowed per game puts them 28th in the league. And the 388.7 yards allowed is the second-worst in the 2022 NFL season. With a blitz rate ranking 12th lowest in the league, the Vikings never had their path clear to the Super Bowl. Fans were relieved to see Ed go.

🏈 Exclusive Invite for NFL Community

Trending

Despite Trading Zach Wilson, Sean Payton Rumored to “Throw Away” Broncos’ 2024 to Secure Shedeur Sanders as Russell Wilson’s Replacement

April 23, 2024 05:14 AM EDT

After Confirming Patriots Interest, JJ McCarthy Reveals Tom Brady Was Speaking to Him Throughout National Championship Winning Season

April 24, 2024 07:04 PM EDT

Travis Kelce’s Mom Donna Joins $400M Rich Businesswoman for ‘Over 50 & Fabulous’ Venture

April 24, 2024 12:56 PM EDT

Robert Griffin III Warns Washington Commanders Against Jeopardizing Jayden Daniels as Dan Quinn Eyes “Elite Competitor”

April 23, 2024 05:49 AM EDT

“Caitlin Clark Should Be…”: Antonio Brown Makes a Shocking Confession After Continuously Insulting WNBA Sensation

April 22, 2024 09:11 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

O’Connell released the statement from the official Twitter handle of the Minnesota Vikings. “Today I informed Ed Donatell we will be going in a different direction as defensive coordinator in 2023. While this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team,” the report said.

Kevin O’Connell is already looking for his next DC

When O’Connell hired Ed Donatell in 2022, there was a strong resume to support that decision. Ed won the Super Bowl with Denver twice, as their secondary coach. Donatell has been the DC for the Broncos, Bears, and the San Francisco 49ers for the past 11 years. However, his 3-4 formation devised under the guidance of Vic Fangio didn’t bear fruit this season.

The Giants recorded 431 yards in their 31-24 win to advance to the divisional round meet-up with the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Daniel Jones engineered 5 scoring drives with at least 75 yards each. Ed’s dependency on pass-rushers and linebackers, Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, left their soft zone coverage vulnerable. However, the 23.9% pressure rate puts them 23rd this year. And after a stellar start to the season for Kevin and Co, Vikings fans didn’t see the end coming so soon.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ahead of Vikings game, Green Bay Packers superstar QB Aaron Rodgers deals with a setback

“We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell added. Ravens’ D-line coach Anthony Weaver and Aubrey Pleasant from Green Bay can replace Ed after being in contention last year as well.