Minnesota, coach have vax issue

The Vikings and assistant coach Rick Dennison are trying to work it out.

Amid reports Friday that the two sides had split over Dennison’s refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Vikings released a statement saying they’re continuing to “hold discussions” with the offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

“The Vikings continue to hold discussions with Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison regarding the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 Protocols for training camp and preseason games,” the statement read. “At this time, Coach Dennison does not have an exemption to the vaccination requirements of those protocols. We will adhere to the requirements of the protocols and of applicable law.”

Dennison is considered a “Tier 1” employee and would be required to get the vaccine in order to work directly with players on the field, in meeting rooms, or elsewhere. The league has also said any unvaccinated Tier 1 member has to provide a religious or medical reason to not receive the vaccine. Anyone who doesn’t would be stripped of top-tier status and would face extreme protocols throughout the season.

The situation in Minnesota is not unique — the Patriots parted ways with co-offensive line coach Cole Popovich in a decision reported to be related to the COVID-19 vaccine and NFL guidelines — and it comes a day after an NFL memo revealed that teams could be forced to forfeit if there is a COVID-19 outbreak resulting from unvaccinated players. The rule was set to encourage players and coaches to receive the vaccine. Several players spoke out on the NFL’s new rules on Thursday.

Dennison has coached in the NFL for 27 years and has had stints with the Broncos (19952009, 2015-16), Texans (2010-13) and Ravens (2014). He was also the Jets’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2018 under Todd Bowles.

In a corresponding move, the Vikings promoted Phil Rauscher from assistant offensive line coach. Rauscher has coached in the NFL for seven seasons. Before joining the Vikings, he was the offensive line coach in Washington. Minnesota also has hired Ben Steele to replace Rauscher as the assistant offensive line coach.