Vikings: Division & Decline

The Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Sunday after the team’s inconsistent results during his four seasons at the helm.

The Vikings, who gave him a contract extension last year, also announced that vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski will replace him on an interim basis until the draft. The search for a new general manager will then begin.

The timing of the firing is unusual, nearly four weeks after the end of the season, but owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement that they made the decision after the organization’s annual end-of-season meetings.

The Vikings went 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the second time in four seasons since Adofo-Mensah took the job. They haven’t won a playoff game.

“After careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest to move forward with a new (general manager). These decisions are never easy. We are grateful to Kwesi for his contribution and commitment to the organization over the past four years and wish him and his family the best for the future,” the Wilfs said.

Brzezinski has worked on the Vikings management team since 1999. He is recognized within the league for his management of the salary cap.

“Rob brings a lot of credibility and experience. He understands our training and facilitates consensus. It draws on the expertise of our staff and coaches,” commented the owners.