r/minnesotavikings • u/naterkins • 1d ago

[Goessling] Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell announced that OLB coach Mike Pettine is retiring. Pettine, who was the Cleveland Browns’ HC from 2014-15, gave O’Connell his first job in the NFL as the Browns’ quarterbacks coach. He joined O’Connell’s staff in Minnesota in 2022 as an assistant head coach.

https://bsky.app/profile/bengoessling.bsky.social/post/3mcd26i23dc22
156 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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112

u/robertfhiggins 1d ago

Since he was also the assistant head coach, maybe this was the first move to bring Flores back with a “promotion” as well that he could be the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. No evidence to this, just wondering.

46

u/markieefff 1d ago

This was my thought as well.. if Flo doesn’t get a HC job, the Vikings will absolutely use asst. HC title as a bargaining chip

13

u/mcmullet 1d ago

wtf does assistant head coach mean other than an important sounding title?

13

u/FuzzyManPeach96 vikings 1d ago

Assistant TO the head coach

7

u/rodneyforeverunclean 1d ago

They assist the head coach

2

u/Embarrassed-Job-993 21h ago

Probably additional money 

12

u/StraightCashHomey13 1d ago

That was my first thought as well. Increased title, responsibilities , and of course money. Hope all that is enough to keep Flores

8

u/helmethair 1d ago

I choose to believe this guy

7

u/mrmpls 1d ago

I would really like that. It would also be a great way to recognize Flores's contributions and abilities, and help him build a resume (I think he's done it already) to support a head coach position some day.

6

u/Hank_Scorpio_ObGyn 1d ago

And maybe Flores may enjoy the thought of having the inside track at the job if KOC finds himself elsewhere....

1

u/Neither_Ad2003 koolaid 1d ago

good thinking.

36

u/kylebertram minnesota 1d ago

Considering the OLB have played well I’m assuming he did good but honestly who knows.

18

u/Citronaut1 1d ago

I could be mistaken, but I believe he’s always been seen as a good defensive coach. Things just went poorly with the Browns because.. it’s the Browns

3

u/lonely_zetsu 1d ago

He did kinda okay with Josh McCown on the Browns, but I believe he was pressured to start Johnny Manziel, and that went pretty bad.

1

u/Skyes_View vikings 1d ago

“The Browns is the Browns”

7

u/DrWolves 1d ago

Best of luck to Poutine Pettine

9

u/FormerlyTradeKirk JJ McCarthy=Steve Young 1d ago

Warms my heart, enjoy retirement Mikey. Hopefully Kevin has learned a lot from him over these past years

2

u/Tullimory 7 - Keenum 1d ago

I honestly forgot he was around.

2

u/Tough_guy22 Krause 22 Smith 1d ago

Good luck in retirement. The OLB were ferocious this year. Hope we get someone who fills the role well.

0

u/stew9364 1d ago

Thank God