SIDELINES : Vikings Losing Coaching Staff

Defensive backfield Coach Pete Carroll says he will leave the Minnesota Vikings, the team with the top-rated defense in the National Football League, to become defensive coordinator of the New York Jets under new Coach Bruce Coslet.

In addition, linebacker Coach Monte Kiffin is expected to become defensive coordinator of the Phoenix Cardinals under newly appointed Coach Joe Bugel, and defensive line Coach Paul Wiggin has told friends that he also may leave the staff, the Star Tribune reported today.

Carroll, 38, has been on the Vikings staff since 1985, and Kiffin joined the Vikings in 1986.

“We hate to lose them. They’re two outstanding coaches,” head Coach Jerry Burns said Tuesday. He said the team will begin a search for replacements immediately.

The Vikings led the NFL in interceptions in 1988 and were the league leaders against the pass in 1989.