Vikings coach O'Connell won't commit to retaining DC Donatell

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wouldn't commit to retaining defensive coordinator Ed Donatell when speaking to reporters Wednesday.

O'Connell avoided answering directly when asked if Donatell would return next season, instead pointing to ongoing staff evaluations.

"That is an ongoing process that is continuing as we speak and will continue throughout the rest of this week," O'Connell said. "I think it's important to do, and I think after the success we had this year and then coming up short of where we ultimately wanted to get to, I think it's the right thing to do. To make sure I go through that thorough process in doing so."

The Vikings went 13-4 this season, but Donatell's defense struggled with limiting opposing offenses. Minnesota allowed 388.7 yards per game, which ranked 31st in the league. The 65-year-old coordinator's unit also gave up the 28th-most points per contest at 25.1, ranking ahead of just four non-playoff teams.

Despite the winning record, the Vikings finished the regular season with a minus-3 point differential.

The defensive struggles continued in the team's 31-24 loss to the New York Giants in the wild-card round. New York gained 431 total yards, with quarterback Daniel Jones racking up 301 passing yards and 78 rushing yards in the Giants' win.

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