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The Minnesota Vikings may have only scored 10 points in the Divisional Round of the playoff this weekend, but their offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski remained a hot commodity for a head coaching job.
He must have nailed his interview with the Cleveland Browns, because according to several reports, Stefanski will be the Browns’ next head coach.
It’s an interesting turn of events, because another candidate for the Browns’ head coaching search was 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who undoubtedly played a huge part in shutting down Stefanski’s offense on Saturday.
49ers cornerback Richard Sherman had some thoughts on the hire:
Wow just wow...... just W....O....W.... guess I should have expected it https://t.co/NqY7s1GxP5
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 12, 2020
That being said, Stefanski did help turn around the Vikings’ offense in just one year as offensive coordinator. The Vikes went from 22.5 points per game in 2018 to 25.4 in 2019. Kirk Cousins jumped from a 99.7 passer rating to 107.4. And perhaps most importantly to the Vikings, he helped revitalize the running game.
2018 Vikings rushing attack: 93.3 yards/game, 4.2 YPC
2019 Vikings rushing attack: 133.3 yards/game, 4.5 YPC
The Vikings will have to search for a new offensive coordinator yet again—their fifth in five years. Though one of their previous coordinators—Pat Shurmur—is available again after being fired as Giants head coach. Additionally, Gary Kubiak, who has plenty of coordinating experience, is currently on staff as an advisor and assistant head coach.