Stefanski or Zimmer?

[Maelstrom88]

So I have been thinking lately about continuity on offense for the long haul. It seems that Kevin Stefanski is a hot name in the coaching carousel rumors as he has done well with this offense. So my question to you guys is would you give him a raise and promise him the head coaching job when Zimmer leaves in order to keep him around? As some of you may remember, I was a Rams fan before they moved to LA. So I remember the Rams doing this with Mike Martz whenever Dick Vermeil was still head coach. I personally think it would be a good idea for the Vikings. Of course, they would need to talk to Zimmer first and figure out how much time he thinks he has left as head coach. Anyways, I was just curious to get your guys thoughts.

[StumpHunter]

Shurmur is likely available this offseason. Bring him back and it is unlikely he gets another shot at HC for a while and then you have your continuity.

[Pondering Her Percy]

Shurmur is likely available this offseason. Bring him back and it is unlikely he gets another shot at HC for a while and then you have your continuity.

We already have our offense in place. Too little too late for shurmur at this point unless they hire him as a position coach.

[S197]

I think it’s premature to offer Stefanski anything, he doesn’t even have a year under his belt. Maybe if the Vikings win out or something crazy like that but not right now.

[CharVike]

What makes you think he's a hot name? He needed help to handle the OC job. That's not what an NFL team is looking for. A hire like that would really win the fan base over right? His team is not even leading the division. That doesn't move a guy to the top of the list. You act like this is Brian Bellick. If we stay in second place his name will be next to an ice cube.

[J. Kapp 11]

Don't kid yourself. Kevin Stefanski will get interest as a HC no matter how the Vikings finish. Teams (especially bad ones) are desperate for the next McVay/Shanahan type.

My opinion: He's not ready to be a head coach. It's a huge leap to being responsible for the offense to being responsible for the entire program. He's doing a great job as an OC. But he's also under the watchful eye of Gary Kubiak, and nobody really knows how much autonomy Stefanski has.

Unfortunately, some desperate team like a Cincinnati or Miami or Washington will probably try to catch lightning in a bottle, and we'll lose another OC.

[Purple Domination]

Is there a scenario where Stefanski moves on and Kubiak takes over offensive play calling?

[J. Kapp 11]

Is there a scenario where Stefanski moves on and Kubiak takes over offensive play calling?

That seems more likely to me.

[Maelstrom88]

Is there a scenario where Stefanski moves on and Kubiak takes over offensive play calling?

My understanding was that Gary didn't want to be invested to the point of being a coordinator anymore and that's why he got out of his head coaching gig.

[CharVike]

Don't kid yourself. Kevin Stefanski will get interest as a HC no matter how the Vikings finish. Teams (especially bad ones) are desperate for the next McVay/Shanahan type.

My opinion: He's not ready to be a head coach. It's a huge leap to being responsible for the offense to being responsible for the entire program. He's doing a great job as an OC. But he's also under the watchful eye of Gary Kubiak, and nobody really knows how much autonomy Stefanski has.

Unfortunately, some desperate team like a Cincinnati or Miami or Washington will probably try to catch lightning in a bottle, and we'll lose another OC.

You may be right. Although I wouldn't do it. Found this about him.
Kevin Stefanski nearly became an NFL head coach this offseason, but the Cleveland Browns decided to elevate Freddie Kitchens instead. Stefanski returned to the Minnesota Vikings as their offensive coordinator and now has a full season to prove he's ready for the next step.
So there is some respect for him.

[Dames]

Don't kid yourself. Kevin Stefanski will get interest as a HC no matter how the Vikings finish. Teams (especially bad ones) are desperate for the next McVay/Shanahan type.

My opinion: He's not ready to be a head coach. It's a huge leap to being responsible for the offense to being responsible for the entire program. He's doing a great job as an OC. But he's also under the watchful eye of Gary Kubiak, and nobody really knows how much autonomy Stefanski has.

Unfortunately, some desperate team like a Cincinnati or Miami or Washington will probably try to catch lightning in a bottle, and we'll lose another OC.

You may be right. Although I wouldn't do it. Found this about him.
Kevin Stefanski nearly became an NFL head coach this offseason, but the Cleveland Browns decided to elevate Freddie Kitchens instead. Stefanski returned to the Minnesota Vikings as their offensive coordinator and now has a full season to prove he's ready for the next step.
So there is some respect for him.

I agree that he's probably not quite ready to be a head coach, but I would be floored if he didn't at least get some interviews again this off-season. Like Char stated, he was actually close to getting the job in Cleveland. You don't think Cleveland regrets that already? Kitchens hasn't exactly helped that team produce, when you consider the talent they have. Teams are desperate the next big thing in coaching. I can almost guarantee that Stefanski is on a few lists already. He's moved up the ranks very quickly lately in the Viking's organization. At this point, I don't even think it matters if the Viking's success continues.

I wish we could have some continuity for a while. I'm hoping he doesn't go anywhere and we can see if this is more than a flash in the pan. If he does though, I'd be on board with Shurmur as the OC... and hopefully Kubiak stays in the same role.

[Dames]

Is there a scenario where Stefanski moves on and Kubiak takes over offensive play calling?

My understanding was that Gary didn't want to be invested to the point of being a coordinator anymore and that's why he got out of his head coaching gig.

I thought that was in reference to head coaching, and he said he wasn't interested in that. Not sure if he intended that to be about the OC role. He's assistant HC now, so maybe an OC role is something he would consider.

[Cliff]

I think it's more likely Kubiak gets a HC gig out of this rather than Stefanski.

[Dames]

I think it's more likely Kubiak gets a HC gig out of this rather than Stefanski.

I don't. For 2 reasons:

1. Kubiak has stated he doesn't want a HC coach. Of course, it could be smoke he's blowing, but he seemed sincere about it.

2. The current craze is to hire young analytical "geniuses" to be head coaches. I'm not sure if Stefanski actually fits that role, but I'll bet there is at least 1 or 2 teams that would try an interview to see. Everyone is trying to be like the Rams and McVay, and now that LaFleur is having success in GB, it's just going to make it more popular. There is a lot of FOMO that is driving the hiring of coaches. Nobody wants to be the team that missed out on the next great hire. I think the Vikings fell for it with DeFilippo last year. The re-tread coach is not en vouge lately. Personally, I'm okay with not hiring an old coach who doesn't have a track record of success, but it's risky to hire the "geniuses" who have little to no track record either. That said, it MIGHT be better than using a re-tread.

I personally think Kubiak would be good head coach, and so that makes sense for me too. No idea about Stefanski though. He might be great... he might suck

[S197]

Is there a scenario where Stefanski moves on and Kubiak takes over offensive play calling?

My understanding was that Gary didn't want to be invested to the point of being a coordinator anymore and that's why he got out of his head coaching gig.

I thought his main beef is he wanted his people and Denver didn't want Dennison et al so he walked.