The Minnesota Vikings made a bold move less than two weeks ago when they parted ways with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. But instead of rushing into a replacement, the organization is hitting pause-at least until after the 2026 NFL Draft. That decision says a lot about where the Vikings are headed and who’s steering the ship.
For now, longtime executive Rob Brzezinski is stepping in as interim GM. Brzezinski isn’t new to the building-he’s been with the franchise since 1999 and was part of the team’s “triangle of authority” during the Brad Childress era.
He’s known for his expertise in managing the salary cap and navigating the financial side of roster construction. Promoting from within gives the Vikings a steady hand during the pre-draft process, while they take a broader look at who might lead the front office long-term.
But make no mistake: this move also signals a strong endorsement of head coach Kevin O’Connell. The timing, the patience-it all points to O’Connell having a major voice in the next GM hire. And with the draft looming, it appears the Vikings want to keep the current structure in place before making a seismic shift in leadership.
So, who are the under-the-radar candidates the Vikings might turn to after the draft dust settles? Let’s break down three names worth watching.
Alec Halaby: The Analytical Builder
Alec Halaby may not be a household name, but inside league circles, he’s highly respected. Currently the assistant GM for the Philadelphia Eagles, Halaby’s journey started back in 2009 as an intern. Since then, he’s helped guide the Eagles to 10 playoff appearances and two Super Bowl titles.
What Halaby brings to the table is a hybrid approach-deeply analytical, but not at the expense of traditional football instincts. He’s been part of a front office that knows how to build a contender and sustain success.
If the Vikings want to stay the course with a data-forward philosophy but add someone with more experience and a championship pedigree, Halaby checks a lot of boxes. He wouldn’t represent a complete overhaul, but rather a continuation of the foundation already in place-just with a bit more polish and playoff-tested acumen.
Ray Agnew: The Culture Connector
If Minnesota wants to pivot toward a more player-centric, scouting-first approach, Ray Agnew could be the guy. Currently serving as the assistant GM for the Detroit Lions, Agnew has a history with Kevin O’Connell-they worked together during the 2020 season with the Los Angeles Rams.
Agnew brings a unique blend of front office experience and on-field credibility. A former first-round pick who played 11 seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Rams, Agnew understands the player perspective in a way few executives can. That kind of relatability can go a long way in building trust within a locker room.
More importantly, Agnew has a sharp eye for talent. He played a role in the Rams’ selection of Aaron Donald back in 2014-a pick that changed the trajectory of that franchise.
For a Vikings team looking to rebound from some uneven draft results, Agnew’s scouting chops could be a major asset. He would also represent a clear philosophical shift from Adofo-Mensah’s finance-rooted background to a more football-first mindset.
Ed Dodds: The Scouting Purist
Then there’s Ed Dodds, a name that’s been floated in GM conversations for years. Dodds has been with the Indianapolis Colts since 2018 as assistant GM, and his résumé is steeped in scouting. He cut his teeth with the Oakland Raiders in 2003 and later spent a decade with the Seattle Seahawks, where he earned a Super Bowl ring as part of that dominant 2013 team.
Dodds is known for his eye for talent and his ability to build through the draft-two qualities the Vikings could use as they look to retool their roster. His time with the Colts has shown how he values the run game and offensive line play, which could be appealing for a team that needs to solidify its identity on both sides of the ball.
While Dodds has turned down opportunities in the past, the chance to work alongside Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores might be enough to finally lure him away from Indianapolis. If the Vikings want a true evaluator to lead their front office, Dodds would be a strong fit.
What Comes Next?
Halaby, Agnew, and Dodds all bring something different to the table. Whether it’s analytics, scouting, or leadership, each candidate offers a distinct vision for what the Vikings could become. And while Rob Brzezinski remains a viable internal option-especially given his deep ties to ownership and organizational stability-the team appears ready to explore every angle before making a final decision.
One thing is clear: the Vikings aren’t rushing this hire. By waiting until after the draft, they’re giving themselves the space to make a thoughtful, strategic choice. And with Kevin O’Connell likely playing a central role in the process, the next GM won’t just be a front office executive-they’ll be a partner in shaping the future of this franchise.
So as the offseason unfolds, keep an eye on how Minnesota navigates these next few months. The draft may be the immediate focus, but the GM hire that follows could be the defining move of the Vikings’ next era.