At the start of the 2025 NFL offseason, there was talk among league circles that Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was a possible trade candidate. KFAN radio host and Vikings radio play-by-play voice Paul Allen didn’t like how it all went down, and at seems as if the Wilf family never truly entertained it.
In the end, KOC got a gaudy new contract extension and we were told the attention was turning to the same thing for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Now more than a week later, we are still waiting for that Kwesi extension.
Kevin O’Connell got his new deal before Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the NFL world reportedly took notice
So, what happened? As far as we know, discussions between the MN Vikings and their GM are ongoing but we haven’t really had any updates. And now, important people around league circles tell Kevin Siefert (ESPN) that they’ve taken notice of how O’Connell’s contract extension came before that of his supposed boss.
“This month, many around the NFL took note of the Vikings’ priorities when O’Connell was the first to receive a contract extension, announced eight days after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. But owners Zygi and Mark Wilf did not make any changes to the team’s structure or operation as part of O’Connell’s new deal, a team source confirmed, meaning Adofo-Mensah remains the team’s primary football executive.”
Kevin Seifert on the Vikings (ESPN)
As to the power structure within the Minnesota Vikings organization, however, that remains the same, according to Seifert. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still holds final say in player personnel decisions. So, if the GM can get his new deal done, the current decision-making tree will not change. Nonetheless, that first note is extremely intriguing
Minnesota Vikings power structure remains intact after KOC extension
So, even after his contract extension, Kevin O’Connell will be paid solely to coach the Minnesota Vikings. However, he will continue to have a significant say in all roster decisions, particularly on the offensive side. This is not expected to change.
There’s no denying that Adofo-Mensah’s draft record has been underwhelming. However, in his three years managing the team, he’s excelled at acquiring talent through trades and free agency. Some might question his methods and the value he’s spent, though.
Minnesota Vikings writer Kevin Seifert has seen the organization operate through multiple regimes over the years. This one looks successful on paper, but the underbelly could turn ugly if Kwesi doesn’t produce better results in the draft. If he can get there soon, then the Wilf’s should feel much better about tying O’Connell’s future to him as their lead executive.
