Keith Carter isn’t universally loved by everyone he’s coached. But at Vikings training camp this August, he’s the guy running the show up front and nobody in the building is complaining so far.
“The impact of Carter’s approach has stood out numerous times since the start of camp. During a full-pads practice last week, O’Neill, Huber and Brandel could be seen sprinting behind running back Jordan Mason after he broke free on an outside zone run.”
–@SeifertESPN on the… pic.twitter.com/2QjUqu7Emi
— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) August 19, 2026
A Rocky Reputation, Fresh Start
Carter spent five seasons coaching the Tennessee offensive line, then two more coaching the Jets and not everybody was wowed.
Former Titans tackle Taylor Lewan made it clear he wasn’t a fan of Carter’s coaching, and ex-Jets lineman Mekhi Becton agreed with him.
But head coach Kevin O’Connell went ahead and hired Carter anyway in 2025, calling him a tough, gritty guy who would bring some old-school edge to a line that needed it badly.
Now He’s In Full Control
That gamble paid off well enough that Minnesota promoted Carter to full offensive line coach this past February when Chris Kuper left for Philadelphia.
Carter’s group; Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries and Brian O’Neill has been firing off the ball in unison as part of a more vertical run scheme this summer during camp, working alongside new assistant head coach Frank Smith.
Per ESPN, O’Connell has been full of praise for the results, saying Carter has done a phenomenal job both in meetings and on the field.
It’s early, but the old school toughness that Carter built his name on may finally be paying dividends where it counts for a Vikings running
