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After a bitter parting with the New York Jets, Ted Cottrell has landed with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings on Tuesday named Cottrell as their new defensive coordinator.
The position became vacant when George O'Leary left coach Mike Tice's staff to become the coach at Central Florida.
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"We were excited when his name became available and more excited that we
can add him to our staff, Tice said. "He will bring a wealth of experience
and knowledge. He's a guy who has coordinated the number one defense in the
league and we just think he will bring a great toughness to our defense."
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The 56-year-old Cottrell was fired by the Jets on December 30 after the team was ranked 21st in defense. They were especially poor against the run, ranking 28th at 143.4 yards per game.
However, Cottrell believed he was being used as a "scapegoat" for New York's 6-10 season after being dismissed by coach Herman Edwards.
Cottrell, who previously served as the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills from 1998-2000, interviewed with San Diego on Monday before reportedly accepting Minnesota's offer.
The Vikings ranked 23rd in the NFL in defense last season under O'Leary.