Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will not be returning to the team in 2019, per a report from the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Priefer had held the position since 2011 and survived the coaching change from Leslie Frazier to Mike Zimmer. He also maintained his job after allegations of homophobic remarks from former punter Chris Kluwe led to a two-game suspension in 2014.
The 52-year-old oversaw punt and kick return units that were among the league’s best during his tenure, but he was also associated with the decline of placekickers Blair Walsh and Daniel Carlson — Walsh in his fifth season, Carlson in his second game. Veteran Dan Bailey missed a career-high seven field goals under Priefer’s watch in 2018.
With key special teamers Matt Wile (ERFA), Bailey (UFA) and Marcus Sherels (UFA) all free agents of some kind, as well as a kick-return position in flux, the Vikings could see plenty of personnel change on special teams. If Friday’s report is accurate, there will be a new voice in charge, too.
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