After filling in as outside linebackers coach for the Vikings this season, Mike Pettine will officially take over the role moving forward. The team announced the news Friday while also officially hiring Marcus Dixon as the new defensive line coach.

This will be Pettine’s third season with the Vikings. He was solely an assistant head coach previously, providing head coach Kevin O’Connell with an additional sounding board on the defensive side of the ball.

After former outside linebackers coach Mike Smith took a personal leave for the 2023 season, Pettine worked closely with the position group that included star pass rusher Danielle Hunter. A source confirmed to the Pioneer Press that the Vikings have parted ways with Smith.

Dixon comes to the Vikings from the Denver Broncos, where he was defensive line coach for the past couple of seasons. He started his coaching career with the Los Angeles Rams, serving as assistant defensive line coach at the same time O’Connell served as the offensive coordinator.

The hiring of Dixon fills the void left by former defensive line coach Chris Rumph.

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