MINNEAPOLIS -- Leadership is a trait that often gets lost among the duties of an NFL general manager, but it probably warrants the top spot. This is a front-facing position. You must garner buy-in from the staff, coaches, media members -- everyone.
That's relevant now, as the Minnesota Vikings' search for a new top executive is put back on the front burner. Free agency is mostly finished. The 2026 NFL Draft is complete. The Vikings said they'd wait until late April or early May to chart the future, and they've kept their word. They laid the groundwork in recent weeks by identifying GM candidates and preparing for interviews.
"We know we need to get moving to get ready for the college season," Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf said at the NFL league meetings. "We'll move toward a relatively expeditious process."
Speed is crucial, and here's why: New general managers often mean new grading scales, structure adjustments and more. These changes take time to carry out and become embedded. They can also invite uncertainty.
Wilf mentioned chief operating officer Andrew Miller, who led the hiring of former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, as part of the hiring committee. He also said the team wanted input from the football staff. Given the roles head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have played in recent personnel additions, as well as the fact that they've both gotten contract extensions, it would be a surprise if neither were consulted.
Who makes the most sense for this role, especially after Adofo-Mensah was fired because of the fractured relationship between the personnel department and coaching staff? Here are some names that would make sense:
This is the place to begin -- if Brzezinski wants the job. The Vikings asked him to shepherd the team through the last three months. Rather than make decisions based on optics and how they would be perceived, Brzezinski cut costs and took a major draft-day swing.
Nobody understands the organization's internal dynamics better than Brzezinski, and there is immense internal support for him at all levels throughout the building. He knows the coaches' preferences and personalities. He has helped shape the makeup of the current roster. For years, other NFL teams have poked around about hiring him, which is as much about his relational feel as it is his financial wherewithal.
In making this move, the Vikings would have to answer questions about the personnel plan. Would the team seek an experienced evaluator to pair with Brzezinski? Could it continue to defer a large portion of the work to the coaches, who would like a say in that phase of team-building? Furthermore, Vikings ownership and the hiring committee must be mindful of the reaction from current staffers who believe strongly in Brzezinski's case for sustained leadership. Wilf rejected the idea of a president of football operations-type structure, but it might be worth considering.
Here is a new name to know.
Stark, who was the Denver Broncos' director of college scouting from 2016 to 2024, followed his close friend John Spytek to the Las Vegas Raiders. This background is just a start. Stark coached at San Diego State from 2000 to 2008. A quarterback there during that time? Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell.
Stark is an executive who is aware of O'Connell's vision and abilities. His evaluation chops are worth a mention, too. He began his NFL career as a college scout on the West Coast. The Vikings could marry those relationships with the team's current college scouting staff.
Dodds is one of the most deserving options if the Vikings want to go the experienced scout route.
For years, his name has surfaced in these GM conversations. He interviewed with the Detroit Lions in 2021, then the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. Last year, the Tennessee Titans considered him for the role that ultimately went to Mike Borgonzi. The Texas native started with the Raiders. His career took off with the Seattle Seahawks, where he focused on college scouting.
Tape and relationships guide his opinions. Other longtime NFL scouts believe he deserves an opportunity.
The Miami Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan to be their general manager, but Alexander was also part of the conversation.
A one-time Baltimore Ravens scout who learned under legendary NFL executive Ozzie Newsome, he is respected among his peers. Alexander became the Ravens' assistant director of player personnel in 2009. And after a stint in New York, his longtime cohort in Baltimore, Joe Hortiz, tabbed him as his assistant. His exposure to the Ravens' sustainability would intrigue an organization that wants to operate similarly.
Like Stark, there is some serious familiarity here.
Burckhardt spent 13 seasons with the Vikings on the scouting side; then followed current Broncos GM George Paton to Denver. Burckhardt is a native of Russell, Minn. He played quarterback at South Dakota State. Insight into Paton's processes—as well as previous Vikings relationships—should make the transition a smooth one.
The Vikings have allocated serious time in recent months to bridging the personnel department's vision with the coaching staff's plan while simultaneously deepening collaboration and faith within staffs. Tabbing an outsider for the job could present a new challenge to that pursuit of alignment.
When the Titans fired former general manager Ran Carthon in 2025, Cowden served as the team's interim. He landed with the New York Giants after the Titans made their regime change; most recently Mike Vrabel brought him aboard with the New England Patriots.
Cowden has deep ties with agents. Earning Vrabel's trust shows his tact in working with coaches. How he'd integrate with current staff is worth considering—but that goes for almost all names here who haven't had prior links to organization.
Would Vikings want to bring back longtime scout? Gray worked for team 11 seasons; allocating most time southeast help former GM Rick Spielman develop draft board.
Gray joined Buffalo Bills 2017. He has climbed ranks; going director player personnel assistant GM; ascent resulted interest elsewhere. He, too; interviewed Chargers 2024 Titans 2025. Neither team picked finalist.
Could command building take next step primary leader within Vikings' current structure? Minnesota will have assess readiness.
If Vikings looking someone solid understanding college scouting landscape; Liipfert good fit. He orchestrates Houston Texans’ approach area. He learned Patriots’ walls; so Flores might good judge Liipfert’s personality fit.
Texans GM Nick Caserio brought him Houston. Texans have had varying amounts success draft; but some biggest hits (Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre, etc.) been franchise-changers.
Few NFL teams currently producing general manager talent like Los Angeles Rams. First, Lions hired Brad Holmes. Then, Jacksonville Jaguars plucked James Gladstone.
McKay, son longtime NFL executive Rich McKay grandson legendary USC coach John McKay, likely next pipeline having focused time pro scouting side. His hiring could mean drastic change. Rams possess team-specific scouting technologies developed many years. There also question McKay’s youth. Even Vikings might prefer veteran leader shouldn’t prevent hearing sharp up-and-comer.
Earlier spring, Weidl interviewed Atlanta Falcons’ opening. He vast scouting experience. Started Ravens; hired Philadelphia Eagles; found way Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh heads hefty chunk team’s college scouting operation.
Weidl worked variety coaches evaluated players several types schemes. Being malleable coaches’ preferences would help transition.
A college cornerback UCLA, Brown been NFL almost two decades. He initially scout Patriots; then became director college scouting Eagles mid-2010s. Most recently, Cincinnati Bengals hired him senior personnel executive before making him assistant GM.
Cincinnati works financial constraints that Vikings typically don't. Open up possibilities; perhaps Brown—who also spent time XFL—could impact franchise’s understanding player marketplace where find gems non-traditional ways.