The Minnesota Vikings announced Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s surprise firing less than two weeks ago, and the team is showing little to no urgency in finding a replacement, choosing to wait until after the draft to make that decision.
Instead, the Vikings named Rob Brzezinski interim GM while the draft process plays out, showing faith in what they already have and recognizing they need to strike gold with the next GM hire.
The Vikings could promote Brzezinski, who has been with the team since 1999. They hired him from the Miami Dolphins to manage their cap, and he was part of their “triangle of authority” from 2006 to 2011.
Firing Adofo-Mensah and waiting until after the draft to hire their GM indicates that the Vikings are all-in on head coach Kevin O’Connell. He may have a massive say in who the team pursues.
KOC will have a big voice in the next GM hire and the next draft.
— Paul Charchian (@PaulCharchian) January 30, 2026
So, who are the top under-the-radar candidates for the open position? And what can fans expect if they become Minnesota’s new GM?
Alec Halaby
The Wisconsin native is currently the Philadelphia Eagles’ assistant GM and has been with the team since 2009, when he started as an intern. Halaby has been extremely successful with the Eagles, leading the team to 10 postseason appearances, including two Super Bowl titles.
He would be a quasi-bridge GM who would provide the team with the analytical background, but with more experience. He would also bring a championship pedigree and willingness to use traditional styles and methods in decision-making.
If the Vikings decide to go in this direction, they can expect to further strengthen what they have already built, leading to a far less drastic change in the GM position.
Ray Agnew
If the Vikings are looking for someone with a past relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell, look no further than Detroit Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew.
Agnew and KOC worked together during the 2020 season, when Agnew was the director of pro personnel, and KOC was the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator.
As a former player, Agnew would be a great fit for a team looking for someone who can better relate to players. The New England Patriots drafted Agnew 10th overall in the 1990 draft, and he won Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams. Agnew’s playing experience would help enhance the culture that O’Connell has built.
He’s proficient in the scouting department, a downfall of Adofo-Mensah’s tenure, because he understands what to look for in a potential draft pick. He was a decision-maker with the Rams when they selected Aaron Donald with the 13th-overall pick in 2014.
Suppose the Vikings are looking to replace Adofo-Mensah, who had no prior playing experience, with someone who has an entirely different background, one more firmly rooted in football than finance. Then, Agnew would be their guy.
Ed Dodds
If the team is looking for a pure scout prototype, Ed Dodds would be the selection. Ownership has previously shown interest in the Dodds.
Since joining the NFL as a scouting intern for the Oakland Raiders in 2003, Dodds has developed a wealth of scouting talent and has been successful in his 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks, even earning a championship ring in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Dodds has been the Indianapolis Colts’ assistant GM since 2018 and has been instrumental to the team, especially in the draft process.
Dodds’s time with the Colts has shown how vital the run game can be. Whether one puts it on the offensive line or running back Jonathan Taylor, Dodds could put together a line that protects any quarterback well and helps propel the running game.
While Dodds has been a hot commodity in the past, he has ultimately always stuck with Indianapolis. Perhaps working with Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores is enough to entice him to come to Minnesota.
Who is the best option?
Halaby, Agnew, and Dodds are among the candidates fans should keep an eye on as the team ramps up talks with prospective GMs. It’s not out of the question that Brzezinski takes over the position long term, especially given his familiarity with the Wilfs and the organization.
Minnesota’s search will be extensive, and the timetable is unclear, aside from the fact that it will start after the 2026 draft.
If I could choose, I think Ray Agnew would flourish in Minnesota’s GM role, given his ability to scout talent and foster the culture KOC has already instilled in this team.
The final question would be, does KOC sign off on this decision?