The search for a new defensive coordinator continues for the Minnesota Vikings, but it hit a snag on Tuesday, as the Chicago Bears have declined a request from the Vikings to interview defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, according to the Chicago Tribune. Minnesota has been looking at several suitors, including some with a specialization in defensive backs, such as Raheem Morris, and it's possible that Hoke could be a very serious candidate for the defensive coordinator position.

That is to say, he could have been a very serious candidate. Chicago can decline requests of this nature in all cases not related to a potential gig as a head coach. Perhaps the Bears said no because the Vikings are an NFC North rival, but the team has a history of doing this kind of thing where that doesn't really apply. Mike Tice wasn't allowed to interview with the Titans back in February to become their offensive coordinator, and they're not within the division, or even the same conference.

It's likely that the Bears will give Hoke a raise and perhaps another year to his deal if he wants it, but for the Vikings, it means they'll have to search elsewhere.

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