The Vikings special teams unit was defined by chaos this season.
Minnesota had muffed punts and fumbles on returns. K.J. Osborn averaged just 3.9 yards per punt return. Chad Beebe averaged 4.7 yards per return. The Vikings also gave up two blocked punts.
The Vikings had to waive a long snapper after he had errant snaps this year. Kicker Dan Bailey made just 68.2% of his field goals and 86% of his extra points, which ranks as his worst career performance in both categories.
So the special teams unit was not great — across the board. Now, Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer has announced that special teams coordinator Marwan Maalouf, whose contract is expiring, will not have his deal renewed, meaning the Vikings are moving on.
Maalouf coached Minnesota’s special teams for just two seasons. According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Vikings also might have to find a replacement offensive coordinator, with Gary Kubiak leaning towards retirement.
