EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that they have promoted Brian Murphy to special teams coordinator.
Murphy joined the Vikings in 2006 and has assisted with their special teams for the past three seasons. He previously was the special teams coordinator at the University of Wisconsin.
"Brian is an enthusiastic coach with a style that will demand players match his passion for special teams play," Vikings head coach Brad Childress said in a statement released by the team. "You see every week in the NFL how important special teams are to the outcome of games. We expect our special teams units to prepare and execute with the same determination as our offensive and defensive units.
Brian's X's and O's knowledge of special teams and his personality are going to help elevate our unit's performance. He will help players get the most out of their ability and embrace their roles on special teams."
Paul Ferraro came under fire this season after Minnesota's special teams units allowed an NFL-record seven touchdowns. Ferraro left the Vikings last month to become a defensive assistant with the St. Louis Rams.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
