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NFC North Report: Vikings Will Hire Ed Donatell to Lead Defense

Aubrey Pleasant was not hired by the Minnesota Vikings.
John Maakaron|
NFC North Report: Vikings Will Hire Ed Donatell to Lead Defense
NFC North Report: Vikings Will Hire Ed Donatell to Lead Defense

The Minnesota Vikings have found their next defensive coordinator. 

According to a report from The Star Tribune, Ed Donatell will join the Vikings' coaching staff to lead the defense under new head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant has been drawing increased interest, due to his infectious energy and ability to relate to young defensive backs. 

Pleasant had interviewed with the Vikings for their defensive coordinator vacancy, and it was recently reported he also interviewed with the New Orleans Saints for the same position. 

New Orleans recently elevated Dennis Allen to the role of head coach to replace Sean Payton. 

It is believed that one of the reasons the culture has changed inside the locker room is the strong support the players have shown the new coaching staff, including Pleasant. 

“As you already know, the players love him. The one thing he does a really good job of is being honest with the players,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn told reporters, just prior to the end of the season. “That’s one thing me and him talked about in the offseason. For the most part, listen. Players want you to be honest. Sometimes, it might not feel good, and something you might say might not be what they want to hear. But, at least they know you’re telling the truth. Players respect that. That’s one thing he does a really good job of."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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