Sports

Actions

Rick Dennison out as Vikings coach after refusing COVID-19 vaccine, reports say

Rick dennison
Posted
and last updated

Rick Dennison is no longer an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings, according to multiple reports, after he refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dennison was with the Vikings for the last two seasons, and has also coached with the Broncos, Texans, and Ravens. He has been working in the NFL since the mid-1990s.

The NFL recently announced new protocols for staff and players; tier 1 staff, which includes coaches, must receive the COVID-19 vaccine or present the league with a valid religious or medical reason for not getting it.

A coach with the New England Patriots, Cole Popovich, will also not be returning for the 2021 season in a decision related to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to ESPN.

Players are not considered tier 1; however, if a player is not vaccinated, they will be subject to more COVID-19 testing, social distancing requirements, and travel restrictions.

The league has also informed all 32 teams that COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated players could ultimately result in forfeiting a game.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Friday

06/26/2026

Mostly Clear

-° / 67°

3%

Saturday

06/27/2026

Clear

89° / 61°

1%

Sunday

06/28/2026

Clear

87° / 62°

0%

Monday

06/29/2026

Clear

90° / 65°

0%

Tuesday

06/30/2026

Clear

94° / 64°

0%

Wednesday

07/01/2026

Clear

91° / 62°

1%

Thursday

07/02/2026

Clear

89° / 61°

1%

Friday

07/03/2026

Clear

91° / 65°

0%