The Minnesota Vikings have fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, the team confirmed via a released statement Thursday.
Donatell, 65, joined the Vikings last offseason, making a move from the Denver Broncos, where he had worked in the same role from 2019-21.
He departs the Vikings with over 30 seasons of coaching experience in the NFL, including coordinator stints with the Green Bay Packers (2000-03), Atlanta Falcons (2004-06), Broncos and Vikings.
“Today I informed Ed Donatell we will be going in a different direction at defensive coordinator in 2023,” the team statement attributed to head coach Kevin O’Connell read in part. “While this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team.
“We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings.”
The Vikings, despite a 13-4 record, finished tied for 28th in defense for points allowed and lost at home in the wild-card round of the playoffs, 31-24 to the New York Giants.
Their passing defense and total defense for yards per game were each ranked No. 31 out of 32 teams.
–Field Level Media