Eagan, Minn. (May 22, 2023) – The Minnesota Vikings are hosting the second annual Diversity Coaching Summit at the team headquarters, Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, on May 22-24. The summit provides an opportunity for participants to build relationships, broaden their networks and receive helpful feedback in hopes of improving opportunities for minority coaches.
Vikings Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine introduced the idea of hosting a Diversity Coaching Summit to the organization — an idea that sprouted during his time as defensive coordinator for Green Bay. Pettine, who joined the Vikings in 2022, has 29 years of coaching experience in high school, college and the NFL.
Last year, the Vikings invited 12 minority coaches to participate in the three-day summit that includes presentations, group activities and mock interviews, as well as time on the field with current Vikings players. This year, the summit will unite 10 coaches from universities around the country. Below are the names of the participants.
2023 Diversity Coaching Summit Participants:
| Name | School | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Heather Marini | Brown | Quarterbacks Coach |
| Turner Pugh | Eastern Illinois | Running Backs Coach |
| Dan Hernandez | Indiana Wesleyan | Offensive Line Coach |
| Julian Griffin | UTSA | Running Backs Coach |
| Robert Blanton | Miami (Ohio) | Cornerbacks Coach |
| Stephen Barnette | Duke | Offensive Analyst |
| Colin Lockett | Oregon | Offensive Graduate Assistant/WR |
| Koa Ka’ai | Oregon | Offensive Analyst |
| Julian Campenni | Bowling Green | Defensive Line Coach |
| Karmichael Dunbar | Florida | Assistant Strength and Conditioning |
