Curtis Modekins
In 2023, Modkins embarked upon his second season with the Vikings, marking his 28th year coaching in the NFL. His coaching journey traces back to 2008, spanning across seven previous teams before his tenure with the Vikings. Primarily serving as a running backs coach, Modkins also boasts offensive coordinator experience with the Buffalo Bills (2010-2012) and the San Francisco 49ers (2016).
Modkins' impact on the Vikings became evident in his inaugural year with the team in 2022. Under his guidance, the running back unit thrived, notching 18 rushing touchdowns, which tied for the seventh-most in the league that season. Star running back Dalvin Cook continued his remarkable performance, securing his fourth consecutive season with over 1,000 rushing yards, a feat matched only by Vikings legend Adrian Peterson. Cook's total of 1,173 rushing yards ranked fourth in the NFL, while his career-long 81-yard touchdown run stood as the second-longest of the season. Furthermore, Cook solidified his place in franchise history by climbing to third on the Vikings' all-time rushing yards list.
Modkins' coaching prowess extends beyond individual player achievements. Throughout his career, he has honed the skills of numerous standout players, including Pro Bowlers such as Phillip Lindsay and C.J. Spiller, as well as four 1,000-yard rushers, showcasing his ability to develop talent and maximize offensive output.
Modkins' coaching journey is rooted in a deep understanding of the game, fostered by his collegiate playing days at
TCU, where he amassed the third-most rushing yards in school history. His transition from collegiate player to NFL coach underscores his lifelong dedication to the sport, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the field. As Modkins continues to leave his mark on the NFL landscape, his legacy as a skilled coach and mentor to some of the game's brightest talents remains indelible.