The Minnesota Vikings’ search for its next defensive coordinator has stalled as of late, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great options still available.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports that the Vikings are holding out for a potential interview with Denver Broncos DC Ejiro Evero. However, they’ll likely have to wait for him to wrap up his interview process with Arizona and Indianapolis, who are interested in him as a head coaching candidate.

While Minnesota waits for an answer on Evero, one strong candidate just emerged. On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints announced the team has parted ways with co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Kris Richard, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

The #Saints parted ways with co-defensive coordinator/secondary Kris Richard, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

New Orleans' other co-DC, Ryan Nielsen, recently took the DC job in Atlanta. Significant changes on D.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 1, 2023

Richard has been a defensive assistant in the NFL since 2010, primarily helping out in the secondary. Richard was the Seahawks DC from 2015-2017 before he was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator (2018-2019).

He was defensive backs coach with New Orleans in 2021 before being promoted to co-DC in 2022. Interestingly enough, the Vikings had interviewed his colleague, and fellow Saints  co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Nielsen has since been hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator.

Richard guided the No. 2 passing defense in the NFL this season, which was an improvement from their No. 14 ranking in 2021.

Kris Richard was a valued member of the coaching staff, but there were some philosophical differences and the team decided to move in a new direction

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 2, 2023

The Vikings struggled in the secondary all season long and Richard could be a solution to one of the team’s biggest problems.

Though it has been a slow-developing search for a new defensive coordinator, things could pick up swiftly this week. Richard’s background should warrant some intrigue from Vikings general manager Kwefi Adofo-Mensah.

Featured image via Matt Krohn / USA TODAY Sports