MINNEAPOLIS — Despite a great season for the Minnesota Vikings — which included an 11-7 record and a stunning playoff 26-20 overtime win at New Orleans — George Edwards will not be returning as the team’s defensive coordinator next season, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday.
Edwards, a Siler City native and Jordan-Matthews graduate, has been the Vikings’ defensive coordinator for six seasons, though most national media has consistently failed to credit the 22-year NFL coaching veteran for his successes.
Edwards, who’s also served as defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, in addition to serving other roles with the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and two stints with the Miami Dolphins, has already been rumored to wind up as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.
The timing matches up as Edwards’ contract expires, and Minnesota offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski is in Cleveland to sign as the new head coach of the Browns,
Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer hired Edwards in 2014, when Zimmer acquired the Vikings head job. Because Zimmer is a defensive specialist, Zimmer has received most of the credit for the success of the Vikings defensive performances.
This season under Edwards the Vikings allowed the fifth-fewest points per game (18.9) in the league.
The Vikings were defeated 27-10 by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the second round of the NFL playoffs to end the team’s season.