Vikings Coach Takes Leave of Absence, Replaced by Former Browns HC

Defensive coach Mike Smith is taking a leave of absence, as reported by Alec Lewis of The Athletic.

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Vikings coach Mike Smith is on leave. Mike Pettine and Imarjaye Albury will be working together temporarily.

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Smith joined the franchise in 2022 after 3 years with the Green Bay Packers. He knows Pettine from their time in Green Bay and with the New York Jets.

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Kevin O'Connell, former Jets quarterback, is now the head coach, according to the Vikings' website.

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Smith played a key role in recruiting Za'Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, who both became Pro Bowlers in 2022 with a total of 20.5 sacks.

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Pettine, Minnesota's assistant head coach, has 21 years of NFL experience. He coached the Cleveland Browns for two seasons (2014-15), with a record of 10-22.

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Albury has been a defensive assistant for Minnesota since 2020. He worked as a defensive quality control/assistant linebackers coach for two seasons.

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Coach Kevin O'Connell greets linebacker Marcus Davenport before a preseason game in August 2023.

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Minnesota's defense had 38 sacks last season, ranking 21st in the NFL, despite having two Pro Bowl outside linebackers.

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