The Vikings have hired a new tight ends coach, the team announced Monday.
Brian Pariani is joining the ranks of Minnesota’s offensive staff, bringing with him nearly 30 years of NFL coaching experience. He was hired along with Vikings Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Advisor Gary Kubiak and quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak.
Pariani most recently coached tight ends for the Broncos for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings new tight ends coach:
1. Previous experience
Pariani also served as a tight ends coach for the Broncos from 1995-2004, for the Texans (2006-13) and for the Ravens (2014). In 2005, Pariani entered the collegiate world as Syracuse’s offensive coordinator for one season.
Pariani got his start in the NFL as a scout for the 49ers in 1990 before serving as an offensive assistant in San Francisco from 1991-94.
In fact, the two worked together for all but one season (2005) from 1994, when they each were a part of the 49ers offensive coaching staff, through 2016.
3. Pursuing a fifth Lombardi trophy
Pariani has four Super Bowl rings – three with an AFC team and one with an NFC team.
In his final season in San Francisco, the 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX.
Pariani was with the Broncos when they won back-to-back Lombardi Trophies over the Packers (XXXII) and Falcons (XXXIII). He returned to Denver in 2015, and the Broncos went on to defeat the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.
4.Notable names
Pariani has coached some notable tight ends, including Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who was drafted by Denver in 1990.
In the 10 seasons Sharpe played under Pariani, he received six Pro Bowl nods (five consecutive) and was named All-Pro four times (1996-98 and 2001). He also had two 10-touchdown seasons with Pariani.
Pariani coached two-time Pro Bowler Owen Daniels for the duration of his 10-season career: in Houston (2006-13), Baltimore (2014) and again in 2015 when Daniels signed with Denver. Under Pariani’s tutelage, Daniels accrued 479 catches for 5,661 yards (11.8 per catch) and 36 touchdowns.
5. Changing it up
When the Broncos made coaching staff changes following the 2016 season, Pariani became a coach at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy, which helps train young athletes on and off the field.
Pariani served as an advisor for the Sports VTS QBSim Lab, the virtual reality training system for quarterbacks. His role included traveling for an international academy series to train athletes.
Other former NFL coaches who are part of the Academy include Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, former Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte and former NFL quarterback and coach Sam Wyche, among others.
To nominate an athlete for the Academy, click here!
On December 19th, 2019 over 20 High School All-American Athletes announced their college commitment in Mexico City on the red carpet. The players were welcomed by Gold Jackets, Rod Woodson and James Lofton after determining their decision.
The following college commitments were made at National Signing Day:
On December 22nd, the top 70 high school athletes from around the world competed in Mexico City for the first Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith. Players from the United States, Mexico, the Netherlands and France came together to play American football. “Football is more global than ever with games in London and Mexico and through the Pro Football Hall of Fame on missions to Israel, Denmark and the Vatican,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement.
The players practiced and played at Estadio Azul Stadium in Mexico with thousands of fans cheering on both the teams. “Given the global reach of American football and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy, the opportunity to celebrate the world’s best in Mexico City is exciting. This Bowl will connect oceans, borders and languages,” Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy general manager Rich McGuinness said in a statement.
The Hall of Fame World Bowl was aired on CBS Sports Network on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.
The NFL played four preseason games in five years at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City from 1997-2001. The league played its first regular season game outside the United States in 2005, also in Mexico.
Children born around that time have grown up. Now in high school and college, a generation has had the chance to see NFL action before their eyes.
On Dec. 22, the first high school bowl will take place outside U.S. borders. The Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith will feature about 70 players from the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands and France at Azul Stadium in Mexico City.
“The NFL has done a great job with their big game … It really gets those fans excited,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy general manager Rich McGuinness, who helped form the bowl. “I think in the end they just really have a tradition going back to 15, 20 years ago when the NFL started going down there.”
American football is growing internationally, he said. The Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, invites players from around the world to train each summer. Last spring, trainers from the HOF worked with a “few hundred” European athletes across the Atlantic, and just last week, McGuinness and Hall of Fame member Rod Woodson went to work with 500 kids in Mexico.
McGuinness sees the sport growing in Mexico quicker than elsewhere, something he attributes to proximity to the U.S., the NFL games played there and a growing economy.
“The country’s developing (into) a more modern country and American football is becoming a real option for Mexican kids,” McGuinness said.
In seeing progress around the world, McGuinness deemed it prudent to create a bowl they can participate in alongside athletes from the U.S.
If anyone were to set it up, it would be him. McGuinness was also instrumental in helping to form the All-American Bowl.
The creation of the Hall of Fame World Bowl was a similar process, he said, even though he now has to compete with large-scale All-Star games including the AAB and Under Armour Bowl.
With some of the top prospects in the country committing to play in the Hall of Fame World Bowl, it shows there’s still a draw for more high school action.
“I think the idea that this was a fresh, new bowl experience in a new country was probably one of the big, exciting elements to it,” McGuinness said. “I think the other one is Xenith, our presenting sponsor, will be unveiling their new ‘shadow helmet.’”
The “shadow helmet,” a Xenith design funded by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, supposedly has an adaptive fit and feels lighter than some other helmets.
Additionally, the game hosted a signing day event Dec. 19 where athletes announced their college choice.
Doing so in a different country made it all the more special.
“We’ve kind of connected a lot of the dots from our top players to fans around the world to maybe a new idea that could add one more layer to the international football world,” McGuinness said.
The Hall of Fame World Bowl will be aired on CBS Sports Network on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. ET.
The rosters for the first-ever high school All-Star game to be played outside the United States was announced on December 12th, 2018. The world’s top football players were unveiled during an event at the Pro Football Hall of Fame hosted by Hall of Famer ROD WOODSON. The top prep players will compete in the biggest all-star game ever, thePro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith on Dec. 22 at Azul Stadium in Mexico City.
The players were selected based on their elite football ability, his Hall of Fame character and background. Longtime national recruiting expert Gary Howard, who oversees the selection team made of scouts, Hall of Famers and former NFL executives, stated “To be named among the top players in the world and deserving of this special invite, recognizes each player’s special playmaking ability and talent.”
All athletes will be outfitted in Xenith helmets and gear on game day. Detroit-based Xenith achieves top safety ratings with every helmet made. As a world leader in protecting athletes, Xenith is eager to expand their global reach with the World Bowl.
“Xenith’s design and innovation are what today’s generation of committed athletes needs to elevate their game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first ever World Bowl presented by Xenith is an opportunity for us to showcase the Xenith brand and our commitment to outfitting dedicated athletes on and off the field,” said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of Xenith.
The coaches and scouting staff for the game will feature Gold Jackets (a term used to refer to living members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame) like Woodson and former NFL GM Ray Farmer along with former legendary NFL coaches like former Raiders Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and former Dallas Cowboys Assistant Head Coach Robert Ford. NFL Legends includeTory Holt, London Fletcher and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who will also coach in the Bowl.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame World All-Star Bowl Presented by Xenith will be produced by Hall of Fame Productions. CBS Sports Network will air the World Bowl Presented by Xenith on Thursday, Dec. 27 from 7 to 10 PM ET. Hall of Famer ANTHONY MUÑOZ will call the play-by-play and Howard will serve as the game analyst.
The week leading up to the Pro Football Hall of Fame World All-Star Bowl Presented by Xenith will also include a free coaches’ clinic for up to 1,000 Mexico coaches, a combine for top Mexican athletes and a Game for Life Character development for youth athletes led by Hall of Famers.
Bowl tickets are on sale at www.frontonmexico.com. VIP Seating is $35.00 (only 1,000 tickets) and general admission is $15.00.
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
Unique to the World Bowl is the first-ever “National Signing Day” on Dec. 19. The event focuses on the many all-star bowl athletes who will announce their college commitment, as part of national signing day, live to the world a few days before participating in the All-Star Game. More than 30 U.S. All-Americans will be in Mexico City to announce their college choice. CBS Sports Network will televise a live three-hour show from 10 AM to 1 PM ET that will emanate from the CBS Broadcast Studios in New York and HOF TV Azteca studios in Mexico City.
Some names include Chosen 25 No. 1 star Kayvon Thibodeaux, 247 Sports’ No. 2 pro-style QB Ryan Hilinski, QB Luke McCaffrey, who led his team to an undefeated season and is the brother of NFL player Christian McCaffrey, and four-star Jacob Bandes, the No. 8 DT in the country.
Fourteen of the players that USA TODAY High School Sports has learned will take part in the game are:
DE Jacob Bandes (Antioch HS, Calif.)
TE Jahleel Billingsley (Phillips Academy, Chicago)
DT Jowon Briggs (Walnut Hills HS, Cincinnati)
WR Kam Brown (Colleyville Heritage, Texas)
OLB Bryton Constantin (University Lab, Baton Rouge, La.)
QB Ryan Hilinski (Orange Lutheran, Orange, Calif.)
DB Sheridan Jones (Maury, Norfolk, Va.)
QB Luke McCaffrey (Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo.)
WDE Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oaks Christian, Westlake Village, Calif.)
OG Saleem Wormley (Smyrna HS, Del.)
LS Sean Wracher (St. Ignatius, Cleveland)
WR Dylan Wright (West Mesquite HS, Texas)
The game, which will take place at Azul Stadium in Mexico City, consists of 75 high school football players who will be coached by Hall of Fame member Rod Woodson and others who have long been involved in the NFL including Ray Farmer and Chuck Bresnahan.
Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz will serve as the play-by-play announcer.
The game will take place on Dec. 22 and air on CBS Sports Network on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m.
After training the best football athletes from the United States for the past four years, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy traveled to Aix en Provence, France to test, train and showcase nearly 100 of Europe’s best athletes. From November 2nd-4th, the Academy provided three days of intense football training that included world-class combine testing, classroom instruction and competitive on-field sessions. Hall of Fame Academy coaches included former NFL Coaches, Chuck Bresnahan, Rex Norris, Robert Ford and Wes Chandler who spoke to the athletes about their time in the NFL and why attending camps, like the Academy are crucial to the development of players.
“This International Academy will show worldwide that American Football is not just in North America, but will show that football is played everywhere on earth. The Academy is an experience which must be attended by every player in the world. I’m sure that the athletes who were in Aix en Provence this weekend, will remember this Academy for their whole life.” stated Sébastien Bijasson, Director of the France Academy.
Our experienced staff trained the international athletes to better their techniques and skills. Coach Chandler said “This trip to France was one of the most exciting and interesting developmental football trips I’ve ever experienced. The city itself speaks volumes, from the culture to the food and last the history of the region. But it all started with the host of people, how patient and gracious they were, then there were the players, what a good character group and eager-to-learn players they were. One of the real reasons to travel to places for coaches, like us, is to appreciate and teach the number one sport in America to those who want to learn this game”
While attending the Academy, nine top athletes were given a scholarship to the Elite Academy Session in Canton next July to train and compete with the best U.S. high school athletes. One athlete was selected to be apart of the Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith. To learn more about our International Academies, click here.
After training the best football athletes from the United States for the past four years, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy traveled to Leiden, Netherlands to test, train and showcase nearly 100 of Europe’s best athletes. From October 19th-21st, the Academy provided three days of intense football training that included world-class combine testing, classroom instruction and competitive on-field sessions. Hall of Fame Academy coaches included former NFL Coaches, Chuck Bresnahan and Robert Ford who spoke to the athletes about their time in the NFL and why attending camps, like the Academy are crucial to the development of players.
“The Academy brings high caliber coaching directly to the players, giving them an opportunity to increase their skill set” stated Mark Bright, Director of the Netherlands Academy.
Over 8 countries were represented including Ukraine, Poland, Ireland, and England. The U.S Ambassador of the Netherlands, Peter Hoekstra welcomed the athletes and coaches during the opening ceremony. While attending the Academy, four top athletes were given a scholarship to the Elite Academy Session in Canton next July to train and compete with the best U.S. high school athletes.
To learn more about our International Academies, click here.
For the first time ever, the top prep football players from across the United States and the world will be showcased in an All-Star Bowl being played outside the United States. The world’s top 70 football players will be invited to the biggest all-star game ever, the Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith on December 22 at Azul Stadium in Mexico City.
The event was inspired by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy which has traveled to Europe, China and Mexico over the past 12 months training top international athletes. The Academy also trains the top 50 preps from the United States in Canton annually.
“Football is more global than ever with games in London and Mexico and through the Pro Football Hall of Fame on missions to Israel, Denmark and the Vatican,” Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker commented. “For the last three years at the National Youth Football & Sports Complex at Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village in Canton, the Hall of Fame Academy has trained young football players from 12 countries on playing football with respect and learning the values of the game. This summer, the top 45 All-American high school players did the same.”
Baker added, “With the great work the Hall of Fame Academy has been doing in Mexico, and now this opportunity for a world-class high school All-Star game in Mexico on worldwide television, the Hall of Fame is serving its important mission, promoting the great values of the game and celebrating excellence everywhere.”
“Given the global reach of American football and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy, the opportunity to celebrate the world’s best in Mexico City is exciting. This Bowl will connect oceans, borders and languages,” Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy General Manager Rich McGuinness stated.
All athletes will be outfitted in Xenith helmets and gear on game day. Detroit-based Xenith achieves top safety ratings with every helmet made. As a world leader in protecting athletes, Xenith is eager to expand their global reach with the World Bowl.
“As football rapidly grows internationally, Xenith is proud and passionate to be on the forefront of the sport’s rising momentum,” said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of Xenith. “Xenith’s design and innovation are what today’s generation of committed athletes needs to elevate their game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first ever World Bowl presented by Xenith is an ideal global platform to showcase the Xenith brand while outfitting committed athletes on and off the field.”
Xenith CEO, Ryan Sullivan – Xenith Support for Growth of Game Globally, Athlete Empowerment Preview of Athlete Uniforms
The coaches and scouting staff for the game will feature Gold Jackets (a term used to refer to living members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame) like Rod Woodson and former NFL GM Ray Farmer along with former legendary NFL coaches like former Raiders Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and former Dallas Cowboy Assistant Head Coach, Robert Ford. NFL legends include Tory Holt and T.J. Houshmandzadeh who will also coach in the Bowl.
The Bowl is being led in Mexico by Michael Sanchez, a top coach in Mexico, who has served as the Mexican Scout for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy. The Scouting is led by long time U.S. college scout Gary Howard with support from International Academy Director Franco Arellanos.
Unique to the Bowl is “National Signing Day,” on December 19 allowing many all-star bowl athletes to announce their college commitment live to the world a few days before participating in the All-Star Game.
National and international television partners for the Bowl and Signing Day will be announced in the coming weeks.
The roster of athletes selected for the historic 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame World All-Star Bowl Presented by Xenith will be announced in November via the www.profootballhofacademy.com and on social media.
Among some of the best prep players in the United States committed to the game include the following
Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Thompson High School, Alabaster, Ala.
Ryan Hilinski, QB, Orange (Calif.) Lutheran, Orange
Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oaks Christian High School, Westlake Village, Calif.
Clay Webb, C, Oxford (Ala.) High School
In addition, several top players from Mexico will participate in the Bowl and be announced in the coming weeks.
The week leading up to the Pro Football Hall of Fame World Bowl Presented by Xenith will also include a free coaches’ clinic for up to 1,000 Mexico coaches, a combine for top Mexican athletes and a Game for Life Character development for youth athletes led by Hall of Famers.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame World All-Star Bowl Presented by Xenith will be produced by Hall of Fame Productions.
Bowl tickets go on sale Monday (October 29, 2018) on www.frontonmexico.com. VIP Seating is $35.00 (only 1,000 tickets) and general admission is $15.00.
Check out the story on USA Today High School Sports, here!
On Monday, September 24th, our staff in New Jersey participated in our annual Day of Service assisting the Lauren’s First and Goal football camp. Our staff shared their knowledge, contacts as well assisted in helping handle day to day operations for the organization. The team spent a lot of time reaching out to contacts and partners to help donate towards the event. The event is a 1 day camp that receives more than 26,000 high school aged players from 32 different states and over 4,400 college coaches from across the country.
Over the past 15 years, Lauren’s First and Goal has sponsored research that facilitates the translation of science into new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. This targeted research has made the genetic analysis of tumors possible, which enables the development of more personalized therapies for patients and provides the best treatments possible.
To learn more about Lauren’s First and Goal, click here.
