The Minnesota Vikings were one of the teams to take part in NFL Black Monday, as they parted ways with head coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer had been head coach of the team for eight seasons, leading them to three playoff appearances.

Known for his excellent defensive schemes, the Vikings have struggled mightily on that side of the ball for the last two seasons. The drop in production could not have come at a worse time, as the Vikings were finally figuring things out offensively with what has become an explosive group.

Unable to get things going on both sides of the ball at the same time, Minnesota was never able to capitalize on the talent they had. Playing in a division against Aaron Rodgers is hard enough to overcome, but when you can’t get out of your own way in the fashion the Vikings couldn’t you make things that much tougher.

Now, the Vikings will begin their head coaching search. According to Pro Football Focus, four candidates are atop the list based on betting odds from betonline.ag.

According to those lines, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is a slight favorite over Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll. Rounding out the top four is Vikings’ assistant head coach, co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Andre Patterson and former Miami Dolphins head coach, Brain Flores.

Bieniemy and Daboll are looking for their first head coaching opportunities in the NFL and it would be a surprise if they went another cycle without landing a job. Both lead explosive offensive units for the Chiefs and Bills and look ready to take over as the head man on the sidelines.

It would be a surprise to see the Vikings elevate Patterson to head coach as their defense has been an issue the last two seasons. But, that move would likely result in the least changeover, which is something that could appeal to the organization.

Flores being available is one of the more shocking developments. Yes, there may have been some butting heads between him and the front office, but ownership looks like they got it wrong, again, firing him.

Flores went 24-25 in three seasons with the Dolphins but had a winning record the last two seasons. When the coach that you fired becomes the most attractive candidate available, that usually means that you have made a mistake firing them.

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