Record 5–11 Playoff finish did not qualify Owner Red McCombs | Division place 4th NFC Central Start date 2001 Head coaches Dennis Green, Mike Tice | |
Pro Bowlers 2
TE Byron Chamberlain (bench)
C Matt Birk Home field Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Similar 2000 Minnesota Vikings s, 1995 Minnesota Vikings s, 1981 Minnesota Vikings s | ||
The 2001 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League.
The season began with the Vikings trying to improve on their 11-5 record from last year, however, adversity struck when offensive lineman Korey Stringer died of heat stroke in training camp in Mankato, Minnesota.
The season started off with a 24–13 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. They did not win on the road at all during this season. Some season highlights included a 35–13 win over the rival Green Bay Packers in week six, and a week ten victory over the Giants in which Randy Moss pulled in 10 receptions for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns leading to a 28–16 victory. Despite having a 12th ranked offense, the Vikings finished 5–11 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1995.
After the disappointing season, the Vikings fired Dennis Green, who had become a polarizing force in the Viking fan base despite his successful coaching tenure with the team. Mike Tice coached the final game of 2001, losing to the Ravens.
This was Cris Carter's final season in Minnesota, having played 12 seasons there, making eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (1993–2000), all with the Vikings. He is the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He retired at the end of the disappointing season, but would briefly return to play for the Miami Dolphins midway through next season.