Minnesota Vikings lose key member of their staff to a homecoming with an impressive promotion

Minnesota Vikings safeties coach Michael Hutchings has accepted the defensive coordinator position at Cal, leaving a hole on Brian Flores’ staff.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Michael Hutchings (19) smiles on the field before the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the USC Trojans at Rose Bowl.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings being at 6-8 so far this season means that there will likely be multiple changes coming. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is likely not on the hot seat due to his 40-25 record leading the Vikings, but the lack of success will likely lead to changes this offseason.

The defensive side of the football likely won’t see many changes unless defensive coordinator Brian Flores chooses to leave this offseason. Even so, the Vikings won’t have every coach returning next season.

Safeties coach Michael Hutchings accepts Cal DC job

With the Vikings having three games left in the 2025 season, they have lost their first coach, as safeties coach Michael Hutchings is returning home to the Bay Area, as he’s accepted the defensive coordinator job at the University of California.

This is Hutchings’ third season with the Vikings on Flores’ staff, and the safety room has been one of the better ones in the NFL. He gets a lot of credit for helping to develop Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum.

The question remains as to why Hutchings decided to leave the Vikings to take a college defensive coordinator job. As Jordan Schultz mentioned in the above tweet, Hutchings has a prior relationship with new Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi, including playing at USC with him. Hutchings was a linebacker for the Trojans from 2013-2016, recording 66 tackles, three sacks, and two passes defended as a senior.

That will leave a hole on the staff, and it will be filled once the Vikings figure out who their defensive coordinator is next season.

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