Hello everyone. Quick update on the Vikings coaching search. The team officially requested permission to interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, according to a league source. They are one of four teams that requested permission on Monday.
Per league rules, Gruden was not available to interview last week because the Bengals played in the Wild Card game. Coaches whose teams had a first-round bye were allowed to interview last week.
Led by General Manager Rick Spielman, the Vikings reportedly interviewed Seattle coordinators Darrell Bevell and Dan Quinn over ther weekend.
According to John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, the Vikings are in Phoenix today to interview Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. They will interview Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton on Tuesday.
That means they likely will interview Gruden later in the week. It won't be surprising if they also request permission to interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
UPDATE: Jason La Canfora of CBS reports that the Vikings also have requested permission to interview San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.
The Vikings, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans have all requested interviews with Gruden and Whisenhunt, according to La Canfora.
