NFC North Rundown: Vikings hire a new head coach, Lions look to solidify their staff

With one final week and one final game remaining in the NFL season, fans are eagerly awaiting Super Bowl LVI on Sunday afternoon. Fans across the NFC North can watch the game with a little less anxiety this week, with many coaching searches having come to a highly-anticipated end.

Minnesota wrapped up its hunt this week, tabbing Kevin O’Connell to lead the franchise into a new era. The Vikings now have a choice to make at quarterback, but early reports suggest change is not imminent. Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Lions are attempting to hold on to their defensive assistants amid other coaching searches and are still on the prowl for an offensive coordinator of their own.

Today’s rundown focuses in on those two organizations, but also recaps Chicago’s coaching hires and how the newest offensive scheme fits a key playmaker.

Minnesota Vikings

Five Takeaways From the Vikings Choosing Kevin O’Connell as Their New Head Coach

Another Sean McVay disciple joins the North’s head coaching ranks, providing Minnesota with an offensive-minded head coach that fits their new organizational vision.

Future Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told team he is a big fan of Kirk Cousins, per report

One of the bigger player personnel decisions this offseason for the Vikings is determining the future of Cousins, but it appears the veteran might have a fan in his new head coach.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson reveals lofty goal for 2022 season

After a highly productive two-year NFL debut, Jefferson is chasing a significant franchise receiving milestone next season.

Detroit Lions

Reports: Lions set to retain Glenn as coordinator, but at risk of losing Pleasant

Barring a surprise, Aaron Glenn will stay in Detroit as the defensive coordinator, but another top assistant could be on the move within the division.

5 candidates to be the new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

There are a blend of internal and external candidates to become the Lions’ new lead offensive mind.

Are there any veteran QBs available that are upgrades over Jared Goff?

With his current contract, Goff may be too difficult to move this offseason. However, here are a few possible veterans the Lions (and perhaps the Packers) could pursue.

Chicago Bears

10 Chicago Bears’ Takes following a busy month since the house cleaning

With some time to digest the Bears’ front office moves, several subjects are addressed, including the youth of the new coaching staff, a defensive-minded head coach, and the autonomy of the new Bears GM making the hire.

Bears hire Richard Hightower as special teams coordinator

While Green Bay will reportedly hire Rich Bisaccia as their special teams coach, Chicago also landed their new special teams coordinator this week.

David Montgomery’s Challenge Seems Clear

Montgomery’s running style may not fit the Bears’ new wide zone scheme as much as his backup Khalil Herbert. In a contract year for the former Iowa State star, how will he adapt?