Vikings part ways with DC Donatell after 1 season

The Minnesota Vikings announced Thursday that they dismissed defensive coordinator Ed Donatell after just one season.

"Today I informed Ed Donatell we will be going in a different direction at defensive coordinator in 2023," head coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement. "While this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team."

Donatell's departure comes just one day after O'Connell was noncommital on the coordinator's future.

The Vikings' defense struggled mightily under Donatell despite the team's 13-4 record. The unit allowed 25.1 points per game, good for 28th in the NFL, and ranked 31st in yardage allowed. Minnesota surrendered 30 points or more on six occasions in 2022.

The dismissal follows the Vikings' 31-24 loss to the New York Giants in the wild-card round. The defense allowed a staggering 431 yards and failed to record a takeaway.

O'Connell added that the search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.