Since Kwesi-Adofo Mensah‘s firing, the Vikings have opted to delay the search for his replacement. Rob Brzezinski handled interim general manager duties through free agency and the draft.
Minnesota’s attention will now turn to the matter of the front office. The hiring cycle for most GM candidates has of course long ended, but the team’s actions in the near future will be key. Brzezinski may find himself handling general manager duties on a full-time basis, with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reporting he is a “strong candidate for the permanent job.”
Interestingly, Jones add Brzezinski might also wind up securing a promotion as a result of the Vikings’ GM search. Minnesota could add a general manager from outside the organization but set up a reporting structure which includes Brzezinski outranking the new arrival with a title along the lines of president of football operations. Alternatively, the team could simply maintain the status quo which has been in place since Adofo-Mensah’s firing, a move which ended his four-year run in charge.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes the Vikings’ search is expected to be “open-ended,” adding Brzezinski should not be considered a “preferred candidate” at this point. Nevertheless, he adds Brzezinski has support from within the front office to secure the full-time GM gig. It will be interesting to see how many outside candidates receive a look before owners Zygi and Mark Wilf make a final call. Jones adds head coach Kevin O’Connell is likely to have input in the GM search, an unsurprising development given the weight his voice carries in the organization.
Brzezinski began his NFL front office career with the Dolphins before joining the Vikings in 1999. He has been with Minnesota since then, handling key roles in the football administration department through 2013. The following year, he took on the title of executive vice president of football operations. Brzezinski has remained in that role since then, with the exception of his current stint leading the front office. Whether or not he will continue doing so remains to be seen.
His first 1st round pick is a 325lbs DT w/ a history of feet injuries including one during the combine. Good luck Vikings.
I’d rather take a chance at a game changer especially since the doctors looked at it.