Vikings hire Keith Carter as assistant offensive line coach…See More

The Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their coaching staff by hiring Keith Carter as the assistant offensive line coach. Carter brings over two decades of coaching experience, including significant roles with the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans.

Coaching Career Highlights

Carter’s coaching journey began in 2012 with the Seattle Seahawks as an offensive quality control coach. He then served as the offensive line coach at San Jose State in 2014. In the NFL, he was the assistant offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2016, before transitioning to running backs coach in 2017. From 2018 to 2022, Carter was the offensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans, where he played a pivotal role in developing a formidable rushing attack, notably contributing to Derrick Henry’s record-breaking performances. In 2023 and 2024, he served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator for the New York Jets, further solidifying his reputation in the NFL.

Impact on the Vikings

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed enthusiasm about Carter’s addition, highlighting his extensive experience with successful rushing offenses. O’Connell stated, “I wanted to take the opportunity to get a former [head position coach] that’s been involved in some of the best rushing attacks over the past four, five, six years in football.” He further emphasized Carter’s compatibility with the team’s coaching philosophy, noting that Carter “speaks the same language” as the current staff.

Player Development and Philosophy

Carter is known for his tough and gritty coaching style, focusing on developing players’ fundamentals and techniques. His approach has been instrumental in enhancing the performance of offensive lines and running games throughout his career. For instance, during his tenure with the Titans, he was a key figure in the development of Derrick Henry, who led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in both 2019 and 2020.

Controversies and Reception

While Carter’s coaching credentials are impressive, his tenure with the Jets was marked by some controversy. Former players, including ex-Titans tackle Taylor Lewan, have publicly criticized his coaching methods. Lewan remarked on social media that he “loved his coaching staff [besides Keith Carter],” indicating some discord between Carter and certain players.

Despite these criticisms, Carter’s extensive experience and proven track record in developing successful rushing offenses make him a valuable addition to the Vikings’ coaching staff. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s offensive line development and overall performance in the upcoming season.