MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- After a bitter parting with the New York Jets, Ted Cottrell appears to have landed with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting Cottrell has agreed to become the Vikings' defensive coordinator.
The position became vacant when George O'Leary left Mike Tice's staff to become the coach at Central Florida. The 56-year-old Cottrell was fired by the Jets Dec. 30 after the team was ranked 21st in defense. They were especially poor against the run, ranking 28th at 143.4 yards per game.
But 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 served as the defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills from 1998-2000, interviewed with San Diego Monday before reportedly accepting Minnesota's offer.
The Vikings ranked 23rd in the NFL in defense last season under O'Leary.
