Finalist Withdraws From Vikings Head Coach Search

The Minnesota Vikings search for a new head coach seems to be down to four candidates. San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has withdrawn his name from consideration after declining a second interview with the team. He will keep leading the 49ers' defense, instead.

#49ers DC DeMeco Ryans declined a second interview with the #Vikings, per source, opting to further his development in San Francisco.

So four remain in Minnesota’s head coaching search: #Rams OC Kevin O’Connell and DC Raheem Morris, #Giants DC Patrick Graham and Jim Harbaugh. https://t.co/gNRjqHExYf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 1, 2022

Vikings Head Coach

Ryans was one of eight coaches to speak with Minnesota remotely. San Francisco's dominance on defense this past season has caused the former NFL linebacker to garner national attention. The 49ers finished fourth in total yards allowed per game (311.8) and fifth in points allowed per game (20.6).

New Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will now have to look elsewhere to find his new team leader. Of course, Mike Zimmer was fired following the 2021 season after leading Minnesota to three playoff appearances in his eight-year tenure. There is no shortage of options, though.

Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has already completed a second interview. The team also remains focused on Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The biggest name of all may be Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh is reportedly contemplating a return to the NFL and will be present at the Vikings' team facilities on Wednesday. The former San Francisco head coach led the 49ers to a 44-19-1 record across four seasons from 2011-14, which also included an appearance in Super Bowl 47.

Ryans is sure to get more head coaching consideration in the coming seasons. For now, he will continue to work alongside head coach Kyle Shanahan and aim to keep the 49ers competitive in the NFC West.

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