Following season’s end, the Vikings ownership decided to move on from head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman. When it came to selecting a new general manager and head coach, the Vikings search committee opted first for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to replace Rick Spielman as GM, and with his help and input, selected Kevin O’Connell later as head coach. Both selections were well received across the board- fans, media and players alike.
But from the get-go, even before the GM and HC hires, there was a consensus among the Vikings local beat reporters and talk show hosts that the new GM and head coach should be focused on blowing-up the roster- getting rid of expensive and/or older players for whatever draft picks could be gotten in trade- and committing to a multi-year rebuild.