Vikings Rumors: Giants WR Coach Tyke Tolbert to Interview for Vacant OC Job

The Minnesota Vikings plan to interview New York Giants wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert for their vacant offensive coordinator position, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Per Rapoport: "While respected in his own right, Tolbert worked under former offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak in Denver during their run to Super Bowl 50. This would allow MIN to keep the same system."

Tolbert, 53, began his NFL coaching career in 2003 as the wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He has held the same position for the Buffalo Bills (2004-09), Carolina Panthers (2010), Denver Broncos (2011-17) and New York Giants (2018-present). He previously spent nine seasons in the college coaching ranks.

In his career, Tolbert has led a number of star receivers in his position groups, from Anquan Boldin, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Wes Welker to Odell Beckham Jr. and burgeoning playmaker Darius Slayton.

Kubiak, 59, spent the last two seasons with the Vikings, serving as an assistant head coach in 2019 and the team's offensive coordinator in 2020. He retired in January after 36 years in the NFL as a player, coach and front-office executive.

Kubiak said in a statement:

"I've been on a football field for most of my life, and now I look forward to stepping away from the game and enjoying more time with my family and friends. I offer my sincere thanks to the owners and fans of the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers for giving me opportunities to be a part of this great game and for treating me and my family so well over the years.

"I'll miss the competition, the planning, game days and being part of a team. But, more than anything, I'll cherish the friendships I've made along the way with players, coaches and staff. I love the game of football and will forever be its biggest fan."

Tolbert served under Kubiak in Denver in the 2015 and 2016 seasons when Kubiak was the head coach.

In Minnesota, Tolbert would inherit an offense that finished the 2020 season fourth in yards and 11th in points per game, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, running back Dalvin Cook and wideouts Adam Thielen and rookie sensation Justin Jefferson. Despite a dangerous offense, the Vikings finished a disappointing 7-9 and missed the postseason.