There’s no downplaying expectations that it’s time for the first playoff win by the 43-year-old GM and head coach Kevin O’Connell, [who also got a new deal](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-coach-kevin-oconnell-contract-extension/601208917#:~:text=Vikings%2C%20coach%20Kevin%20O'Connell%20agree%20to%20multiyear%20contract%20extension,of%20GM%20Kwesi%20Adofo%2DMensah.) this offseason. And Adofo-Mensah isn’t trying to downplay their goals.
“We don’t hide our ambition,” he said. “That’s not something we do in this building. We are trying to be one of the last teams standing — every team should embrace that. Every team should wake up and say this is where we want to be, otherwise why are we doing this? We’re excited, we run towards that smoke, as you will."
Adofo-Mensah joined the Access Vikings podcast on Thursday to talk with us about his new contract, lessons on the job, expectations for next season and new quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
This excerpt of the interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
**Q:** The big news for you recently is the contract extension. What’s it like for you to finally have that in place?