While the Minnesota Vikings continue their head coaching search, it appears like one of the prospective candidates has taken their names out of the running. San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans reportedly declined a second interview with the Vikings, opting to further his development in the Bay Area.
This news came as a total and complete shock to everyone. After the Los Angeles Rams ended Ryans’ season, Vikings fans at least thought Minnesota would have a chance to interview the 49ers coordinator, who has been very impressive this postseason. Ryans was one of three coordinators in the NFC Championship that the Vikings had looked to interview a second time. The other two, Rams OC Kevin O’Connell and DC Raheem Morris, are set to finish their second interviews tonight.
While Ryans’ turning down the opportunity to potentially be the next head coach of the Vikings is a major blow, it has also brought some of the lesser-expected names back into the fold. Minnesota is now set to conduct a second interview with the New York Giants defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham. That is not the only surprise name to be on the finalist list. The Vikings are also set to fly in former 49ers and current University of Michigan head coach John Harbaugh for an official interview on Wednesday.
While Ryans would have been a great choice for head coach, his decision to stay in San Francisco allows the Vikings to cross one name off the list in their expansive search for a new head coach. Hopefully, they will have a new head coach shortly after conducting their interviews with these four finalists.
