The Minnesota Vikings moved quickly on Monday morning in firing general manager, Rick Spielman and head coach, Mike Zimmer. But from here on out, fans should expect the process to slow down immensely. Team president, Mark Wilf, spoke with media this afternoon and made that much very clear.
The Wilfs plan to move “deliberately”, “methodically”, “thoroughly” and “thoughtfully” (just some of the words Mark used) in hiring their next GM and then head coach, in that order.
"Both searches are starting right away, but the GM is going to be our first selection and then the GM will have input in the head coach." – #Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf pic.twitter.com/aeqPJjEnN2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 10, 2022
#Vikings president Mark Wilf says they don't do things in a "knee-jerk fashion" and have been evaluating things. Said they were extremely disappointed in the football results this season.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 10, 2022
#Vikings president Mark Wilf on hiring a GM first and perhaps not being able to get a hot coaching candidate: "We don't try to look at who's hot and who's cold." He said the candidate will have to meet their criteria and the search will be "deliberate."
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 10, 2022
Before the Vikings hire a new head coach, they will hire a new general manager, though both searches have started. Then, they’ll figure out what to do with Kirk Cousins and his $45 million cap hit next season. That way, their new GM can help hire an HC. Then, both can work together on what to do with Kirk. Mark said today that the Wilfs plan to “cast a wide net” in their search for a new GM. So by definition, that means they’d likely miss out on the first flurry of coaching hires.
Slow and steady wins the race
That might not be a negative. In many cases, the early run of hires end up being more hype than substance. Not only that, but waiting could give Minnesota Vikings’ brass time to look at candidates from more successful teams. Organizations were allowed to interview new coaching candidates two weeks ago, meaning teams like the Raiders and Jaguars, who started their searches then, could be closer to making a decision.
Inquiring teams can ask for permission to interview coaches whose seasons aren’t over but they won’t be able to complete the hiring process before then. With a month left before the playoffs are over, that eliminates much of the soon to be available talent pool.
Talked to a rep for a notable coordinator on playoff team Said coaches on teams who last long in playoffs could be hurt more now due to rule changes on when they can talk about jobs But said if #Vikings take time in search could get such a coach that other teams might not wait on
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 10, 2022
The Wilf family prides itself on being aggressive in their business dealings, but not knee-jerk. And Mark made it very clear on Monday that they’ll act the same way in their search for new Minnesota Vikings leadership. I expect to hear a bevvy of names who are tapped to interview for both openings over the next month but I wouldn’t be surprised if neither role is filled before Super Bowl Sunday, February 13.
Here is the full Mark Wilf interview.
Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan