Several reports out of Minnesota, including one from Ben Goessling of the Star-Tribune, indicate that the Vikings are going to hire former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell to that position. Donatell would land the job over Lions defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant, who was another strong candidate to take over the Vikings defense under new head coach Kevin McConnell.
Detroit could not refuse permission for Pleasant to interview thanks to a rule change in 2020. However, his lack of coordinator experience proved less appealing to the Vikings and a rookie head coach than Donatell’s decades of NFL work.
The Lions aren’t completely out of the clear on losing Pleasant, however. The Flint native interviewed with the New Orleans Saints to be that team’s DC this week. No decision has been made on that position by new Saints coach Dennis Allen. Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was a finalist for the head coaching position in New Orleans.