Kevin O’Connell has a bevy of talented options at passing game coordinator, including former Pro Bowl player

The options at passing game coordinator are loaded with former NFL players at multiple positions.

AJ Schulte, Tyler Forness
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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After only one coaching change on the offensive side of the football with the Minnesota Vikings moving on from offensive line coach Chris Kuper, head coach Kevin O’Connell is in the market for a new passing game coordinator. Brian Angelichio, who also held the title of tight ends coach, is now heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers to be their offensive coordinator.

Angelichio has been with the Vikings for the past four years with the same job titles. He was a key assistant that O’Connell went to during the last four years. Replacing that kind of continuity won’t be easy, but O’Connell will set out to do just that.

Minnesota Vikings passing game coordinator coaching candidates

Let’s start here. What exactly is a passing game coordinator and how do they differ from the offensive coordinator role? I spoke to our own coaching expert AJ Schulte about this, and he referenced a piece he wrote back in January of 2025.

“I’ve heard this question often, and truth be told, the exact responsibilities vary from team to team. For some, it’s little more than a title they can hand out to promote a coach that they want to keep around. Kyle Shanahan did this with Mike LaFleur and Mike McDaniel for years with the 49ers. 

“In truth, the position is an expanded assistant role, focused on the passing game as the name would suggest. They coordinate the passing game, essentially coaching specific passing situations (third downs, two-minute drills, red zone passes) and working with the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and wide receivers coach to design, game plan, and coordinate the team’s passing attack. PGCs have more say in the offensive process than any non-position coach (if they, of course, aren’t a position coach themselves). In some cases, a team’s PGC can be the spark of innovation the team needs to unlock something different about their approach.”

It’s a more defined role within the passing game to maximize the impact it has, and starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy needs it. It’s become a very important job on each staff, and those coaches, like Angelichio, become an offensive coordinator. Here are some intriguing options for the Vikings to potentially hire.

  • Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell
  • Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown
  • Vikings special assistant Chris O’Hara
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis
  • University of California offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard
  • Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Connor Senger

It’s a talented group of candidates, Schulte believes a couple outside the organization stand out.

“There are so many directions the Vikings could go at PGC that narrowing down a list is difficult, given the sheer volume of candidates. They have their own fair share of options to choose from internally, with each making some sense to own the passing game coordinator in their own right.

“Ike Hilliard worked with Kevin O’Connell in Washington and has been a good NFL coach. He was unfortunately scapegoated by Raheem Morris and company this season (a move that didn’t work out at all), but rebounded to be named co-offensive coordinator at Cal under Tosh Lupoi. I have a feeling he would happily rebound into the NFL if asked, but going from co-OC to PGC is a downgrade in title.

“However, if they do go externally, I would target one of Connor Lewis or Connor Senger. Senger has been in high demand, interviewing with multiple teams for their QBs coach and even offensive coordinator positions with both the Bears and Eagles. He’s viewed as a future offensive coordinator on the rise with a bright mind and ability to teach to players. Connor Lewis has been an invaluable part of the Packers’ offense. Lewis was hired by Mike McCarthy in 2016 as a technology analyst for the team, but became an offensive quality control coach under LaFleur in 2020 before becoming a special teams assistant/game management coach in 2021. LaFleur has praised Lewis for his efforts multiple times, often without prompting, and the results speak for themselves. Jordan Love has ascended into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and LaFleur has cited Lewis as a key part of why the Packers have stayed ahead of the NFL in terms of offensive trends.”

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