Vikings hire 28 year veteran to assist with Special Teams while coach is suspended
According to Pro Football Talk, the Minnesota Vikings have hired Joe Marciano to assist with the Special Teams while their coordinator is suspended for his comments in regards to Chris Kluwe.
Via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, coach Mike Zimmer made the announcement on Sunday. A 28-year veteran of coaching special teams at the NFL level, Marciano was fired by the Texans in December 2013. Marciano had worked for the Texans since the team entered the NFL in 2002. Marciano previously worked for the Buccaneers (1996 to 2001) and Saints (1986-95). Before that, he spent time in the USFL.
In retaining Marciano, Zimmer said it was important to have veteran experience during Priefer’s absence. The alternative was to entrust the duties to Vikings assistant special-teams coordinator Ryan Ficken.
“I think it’s a great idea, [but] I think Ryan can handle it,” Priefer said regarding the decision to hire Marciano, via Tomasson. “It’s not my decision but they asked me and they thought it was a pretty good idea.”
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