Ex-Vikings WR Turns to Coaching

“It was easiest to spot both in their new roles Thursday in the IPF, which has a single field compared to multiple outdoors; Jackson helped drill his former position group, and McCain shadowed the secondary. They aren’t the only new visiting coaches, either.”

Jackson is a close friend of Justin Jefferson, so it’s no surprise that he hasn’t strayed far from the Vikings’ orbit.

Kleifeld continued, “O’Connell shared in his opening remarks that along with the two Vikings Legends, the team is adding Isaiah Bishop, P.J. Burkhalter, DeShawn Haney and Johnathan Lloyd as Walsh Diversity Fellows.”

“In regard to Jackson and McCain, O’Connell noted it’s ‘a passion of mine,’ as well as the Wilf family, to help players find their calling once they’re done competing between the lines. He cited offensive assistant and former tight end Ben Ellefson as an example. Ellefson has gained responsibility over the past three seasons, since switching lanes in 2023.”

Jackson’s Time in Minnesota

Jackson’s annual July and August performances generated excitement among Vikings fans. He demonstrated the talent to remain on the roster, delivered strong production, and displayed explosiveness in preseason games that led many to speculate that the Vikings had unearthed a hidden gem.

His 2024 summer tape particularly amplified the narrative. Jackson made plays against the Raiders, Browns, and Eagles, concluding the preseason with nine receptions, 154 yards, and three touchdowns, notably scoring in all three contests — a feat that typically elevates a long-shot wide receiver into serious contention.

However, as the regular season approached, his opportunities largely evaporated.

While Minnesota elevated Jackson from the practice squad twice in 2024, a meaningful role never materialized. He participated in only 10 offensive snaps and two special teams snaps throughout the entire season. Coaches valued him enough to keep him in the organization, but not enough to entrust him with playing time in regular season games.

A similar scenario later unfolded with former Viking Lucky Jackson, who also displayed enough promise to remain a topic of fan discussion but is now a free agent.

From 2021 to 2024, Jackson remained on the fringe of the Vikings’ plans – always close enough to be a factor in August, but never quite able to secure a breakthrough once the regular season began. Now, he’ll try coaching on for size.

Here’s his full player resume:

• Los Angeles Rams (2020)
• Minnesota Vikings (2021–2024)
• Arizona Cardinals (2025)

McCain’s Career

McCain is different than Jackson; he had longevity in the NFL. Over 10 NFL seasons, McCain played in 134 games, starting 87. He accumulated 398 tackles, 45 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He spent most of his career with Miami and Washington, showcasing versatility by playing slot corner, free safety, and strong safety.

In summary, McCain was an experienced and versatile defensive back with a history of starting in the NFL. For the Vikings, he served primarily as an emergency option rather than a key contributor. It makes all the sense in the world that he’d turn to coaching. He’s seen some things.

A Sweet Mentor in Keenan McCardell

If Jackson, for example, were to latch onto the Vikings’ staff as a coach, well, he has the blueprint front and center.

Minnesota’s current and longtime wide receiver coach, McCardell, played 16 seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver, then turned to coaching in 2010 and eventually landed in Minnesota, where he’s spent the last six seasons. McCardell has even flirted with offensive coordinator jobs around the league, which will likely accommodate him before too long.

staying power, all he has to do is speak to McCardell for advice.

Jackson will turn 29 next March.

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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker