Vikings shuffle assistant coaches, announce tentative minicamp dates

Leslie Frazier filled the most notable opening on his coaching staff from within.

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that Ryan Ficken will take over as assistant special teams coach for Chris White, who left for the University of Iowa.

Ficken joined the Vikings' staff in 2007. He most recently served as assistant receivers coach.

The Vikings also confirmed the hiring of Jeff Howard, who replaced Cam Turner as assistant to the head coach.

Minicamp dates set

The Vikings' mandatory minicamp is tentatively scheduled for June 18 to 20, the team said.

The minicamp is the culmination of the Vikings' offseason program, which begins next month.

Rookie minicamp is scheduled for May 3 to 5, the weekend after the NFL Draft. Organized team activity practices will be held May 28 to June 13.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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