Vikings announce new position for Rick Dennison, who was eliminated as offensive line coach on account of COVID protocols

The Minnesota Vikings have discovered a approach to work issues out with Rick Dennison in any case. Dennison, who was eliminated as Minnesota’s offensive line coach Friday, will stay with the staff as a senior offensive adviser on account of COVID-19 protocols. 

NFL protocols concerning the COVID vaccine state Tier 1 workers — which incorporates coaches — should be vaccinated except its for non secular or medical causes. Dennison didn’t have an exemption so he was faraway from his position, though the Vikings remained involved with him concerning staying within the group. 

Dennison’s new position retains him with the Vikings, which head coach Mike Zimmer wished. 

“He is obtained 40 years of expertise doing what he is doing,” Zimmer mentioned to reporters at Vikings camp Tuesday. “I felt prefer it was essential that we use him as a useful resource, however we additionally give him the chance to proceed to work. With the best way the protocols are, he cannot be across the gamers in individual, however he has a lot information and a lot expertise that I felt like he could possibly be a giant assist.”

Minnesota formally named Phil Rauscher as offensive line coach (Dennison’s previous place) and added Ben Steele because the staff’s assistant offensive line coach. Rauscher has loads of expertise teaching an offensive line, having beforehand served because the offensive line coach for the Washington Soccer Crew in 2019. Within the 11 video games Rauscher served as offensive line coach — he was promoted through the season — Washington totaled 1,239 speeding yards and averaged 4.62 yards per carry — good for eighth within the NFL. He joined the Vikings as an assistant offensive line coach in 2020. 

Steele is in his eighth NFL season as a head coach. He has ties with the Vikings group as a participant on the coaching camp roster in 2003 and 2004. Steele most just lately coached with the Atlanta Falcons, overseeing tight ends in 2020 and spending 2019 as an offensive assistant.