The Vikings have parted ways with strength and conditioning coach Evan Marcus, who had been in that role with the team the past two seasons.
Vikings part ways with strength and conditioning coach Evan Marcus
Under Evan Marcus, the Vikings suffered a string of pectoral injuries that left them wondering whether the injuries were coincidences or if the team had an issue with its training methods.
January 22, 2016 at 3:36PM
Coach Mike Zimmer hired Marcus in 2014 and Marcus changed the way the players trained. The previous regime had the players working mostly with machines. Zimmer and Marcus both preferred the use of free weights.
Under Marcus, the Vikings suffered a string of pectoral injuries that left them searching for answers to determine whether the injuries were unfortunate coincidences or if the team had an issue with its training methods.
Starting guard Brandon Fusco and offensive tackle Phil Loadholt suffered season-ending pectoral tears during the 2014 season. Defensive end Brian Robison was sidelined with a strained pectoral last spring. And cornerback Josh Robinson partially tore one of his pectoral muscles and missed half of the 2015 season. Only Robison's injury occurred in the weight room.
Several Vikings players also suffered lower back injuries during the past two seasons, including running back Jerick McKinnon, whose rookie season was cut short after suffering an injury in the weight room that required surgery.
Assistant strength and conditioning coaches Jeff Hurd and Chaz Mahle are still listed as members of the coaching staff on the team's website.
ESPN first reported that Marcus was no longer with the organization.
Mike Conley was in Minneapolis, where he sounded the Gjallarhorn at the Vikings game, on Sunday during the robbery.
