Minnesota Vikings Ranked NFL Best Coaching Staff by ESPN

The Minnesota Vikings have been ranked as the NFL's best coaching staff heading into the 2025 season, according to ESPN analyst Ben Solak. Head coach Kevin O'Connell, who was named the league's Coach of the Year, has demonstrated significant offensive innovation, especially in developing quarterback Sam Darnold during J.J. McCarthy's injury absence. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is praised for his ability to maximize defensive performance despite limited resources, maintaining one of the league's most effective defenses. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips has provided stability to the offense, particularly with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Vikings jumped from 10th to 1st in the rankings, reflecting their balanced excellence on both sides of the ball and strong locker room leadership. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers also improved their coaching staff, ranking third, with optimism stemming from new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's system and the retention of offensive assistant Klay Kubiak, suggesting their defense is poised for a significant leap in 2025.