The Minnesota Vikings‘ organizational overhaul didn’t stop with just the departure of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Following Adofo-Mensah’s firing on Friday, the Vikings announced, via NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the hiring of three new assistant coaches and a promotion — all moves considered to be in the eye of Kevin O’Connell’s leadership with the power vacuum in Minnesota.
Rapoport reported on Saturday, January 31, the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as assistant head coach, replacing Mike Pettine, who retired earlier this month. Offensive line assistant coach Keith Carter was also promoted to lead his position group, replacing Chris Kuper.
Brian Flores’ staff also got a boost after defensive backs and defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones left for the Washington Commanders‘ defensive coordinator position.
Rapoport added that Gerald Alexander — Flores’ former defensive backs coach in Miami — will replace Jones, while former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen will take over as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator. According to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, Neilsen impressed the Vikings in his interview for defensive coordinator in 2023 and has previous experience as the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator and as a senior assistant with the Buffalo Bills.
The moves on Saturday show the Vikings are adamant about improving the performance of their offensive and defensive lines after both groups did not live up to expectations during the 2025 season.
Smith’s arrival is the most noteworthy as Mike McDaniel’s right-hand man in the Dolphins’ running game design, which had flashes of dominance during their four-year tenure. Smith is expected to play a key role in designing the run game in 2026.
Vikings Double Down on Reason for Firing GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah With Coaching Moves
Appearing for a news conference with local media just hours after the announcement of Adofo-Mensah’s firing, Vikings owner Mark Wilf said that the decision to part ways with the fourth-year general manager was measured.
The timing of the decision cannot be overlooked, occurring just five days after former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold clinched a Super Bowl berth for the Seattle Seahawks. Teams traditionally fire their decision-makers days after the end of the season to get a jump on the hiring cycle. Yet, the Vikings maintained that it was not a knee-jerk reaction to their Pro Bowl quarterback from a year ago reaching heights the franchise hasn’t in almost half a century.
Adofo-Mensah’s harshest critiques point to a lack of success in the draft. Only one of Adofo-Mensah’s 10 picks in his first draft in 2022 became a full-time starter, and subsequent trades to bolster the roster left the Vikings short on draft equity.
Wilf emphasized the importance of getting the draft right this spring.
“This is a critical offseason. Ultimately, we felt the change was necessary in football operations and did not feel comfortable going forward into this offseason with the current leadership,” Wilf said. “It’s not about any one decision or move. We looked at the situation cumulatively. We just didn’t feel confident going through the entire heart of the offseason, an additional draft and free agency with this structure.”
Vikings’ Delayed Firing Signals Confidence in Adofo-Mensah’s Interim Replacement
The Vikings are behind the ball in finding a new executive to lead the organization. However, they may already have their ideal replacement.
Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski will take over football operations in the meantime while the Vikings conduct what Wilf said would be a “thorough search.”
Brzezinski has worked for the team for 27 years and is touted for his expertise in cap management, team-building and contracts.
Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber wrote on X: “If it comes to this, I love the idea of Brzezinski as full-time GM. Most trusted financial guy in the league. Trusted by everyone from coaches to ownership. Been on front lines of multiple GM’s so he knows what works and what doesn’t.”
Trust from the coaching staff is the biggest piece to what could make Brzezinski the ideal hire for the Vikings.
If that’s the case, that would render the search this offseason would merely be adding to Brzezinski’s front office.
Vikings Announce 4 Coaching Moves After Firing GM