We have some intra-divisional drama.The Packers requested permission to interview Vikings assistant GM George Paton for their GM job, but Minnesota declined the request, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). 
Typically, teams do not stand in the way of a coach or executive interviewing for a higher position elsewhere. However, teams can decline requests from other clubs while their season is in progress. The Vikings are exercising that right, presumably because they do not want to do any favors for the rival Packers.
Paton was a GM candidate for the Colts and 49ers openings last year before those jobs went to Chris Ballard and John Lynch, respectively. He was also asked to interview for the Chiefs when they surprised everyone by dumping John Dorsey in the summer, but he declined.
As shown in PFR’s GM Search Tracker, here’s where things stand in Green Bay:
- Russ Ball, vice president of football administration/player finance (Packers): To be interviewed; viewed as favorite?
- Brian Gutekunst, director of player personnel (Packers): To be interviewed
- George Paton, assistant GM (Vikings): Interview requested, permission denied
- Eliot Wolf, director of football operations (Packers): Interviewed on 1/4
- Doug Whaley, former general manager (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
Of course they did because the Vikings are such trolls when it comes to the packers.
The Vikings and Packers are such trolls when it comes to each other.
Way to keep it classy Minnesota.
Minnesota has always been a classy organization. Just ask Anthony Barr
Are you mad about something?
It’ll be interesting to learn if they allow him to interview after their season is over
wait 2 weeks and their season will be over.
So many salty packers fans here, I’m a Vikings fan and I can guarantee the pack will find a fantastic GM, you can’t honestly think though that a team that has a formula that works with their front office, that they would want to give a piece of that to their rival team? Cmon man.
mike mccarthy used to not let his assistants interview for coordinator positions all the time
Lol calm down Packers fans. The Packers would probably do the same thing if Minnesota asked to interview one of the Packers’ main front office personnel.
They have already done the same thing with Wolf 2 years ago.
It’s just common sense. You don’t allow defections of that caliber to your division rivals.
Just wait a week they’ll be done by then
Vikings agree to grant interview under the condition that Aaron Rodgers puts on a purple miniskirt and joins the Vikings cheerleaders on the sidelines during the playoffs.
He already has a miniskirt, halfway there!