It’s an oddly timed change for the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Adofo-Mensah had been at the helm of the Vikings’ front office for the last four seasons, with Minnesota making the playoffs twice in that span.
Last year, the Vikings indicated they were satisfied with Adofo-Mensah when they signed him to a contract extension.
But there have been reports of tension behind the scenes in Minnesota, and the Vikings announced on Friday that they had parted company with the 44-year-old.
Co-owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement: “Following our annual end-of-season organisational meetings over the last several weeks and after careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the team to move forward with new leadership of our football operations.
“These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for Kwesi’s contributions and commitment to the organization over the past four years and wish him and his family the best in the future.
“Effective immediately, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski will lead our operations through the 2026 NFL Draft. Rob brings tremendous credibility and experience, understands our roster and has the ability to build consensus and rely on the expertise of our personnel and coaches.
“After the draft, we intend to conduct a thorough search to identify our next general manager. Building a team that can contend for championships drives us every day, and we look forward to bringing our fans the success they so deserve.”
The Vikings finished 9-8 in 2025 but missed the playoffs. Their winning record came after they ended the campaign on a five-game winning streak. In truth, it was a disappointing season for the Vikings, whose playoff hopes were dashed by 4-8 start, with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy struggling mightily as the starting quarterback.
Minnesota’s decision not to re-sign Sam Darnold after a 13-4 season in 2024 came back to haunt them. Darnold will start at quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 a week on Sunday.
The timing of Adofo-Mensah’s departure is unconventional, given he had been at the Senior Bowl, the leading All-Star game college prospects, watching potential draft picks this week.
Brzezinski will now be charged with improving the roster through free agency and the draft, in which the Vikings hold the 18th pick in the first round.
