Vikings owners not focused on extensions for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell
Mark Wilf, one of the
Minnesota Vikings’ co-owners, has no affinity for making headlines. Attention? Some
NFL owners seek it, but Wilf avoids it.
He typically speaks publicly to reporters twice a year: once at the
NFL league meetings in the spring, then again in Minnesota during training camp.
Tuesday was his day in front of the microphones, and his media session started with an interesting question: What is ownership’s stance on extensions for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell?
“It’s not something we’re talking about at this point,” Wilf said. “We’re focusing on the season ahead.”
One reporter followed up: “Not something you’re talking about publicly? Or not something you’re talking about internally?”
“Both,” Wilf replied.
The response was neither groundbreaking nor unexpected, but it was notable because of what it means for the 2024 season. Wilf would not go so far as to say the Vikings had to make the playoffs for Adofo-Mensah and/or O’Connell to keep their jobs, but he made it clear that he and brother Zygi will be paying close attention.
“Every year, pretty much, our goals never waver,” Wilf said. “(We want) to compete and win divisions and ultimately win Super Bowl championships.”
In their first two seasons, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell posted a combined 20-14 record without a playoff victory. These aren’t the kind of results that typically would spur you to extend an executive or coach, but the circumstances surrounding Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell haven’t been optimal, either.
The Vikings’ salary cap situation has handcuffed their potential moves in free agency. Defensively, the roster was devoid of young, high-end talent. Yet even with one of the least productive defenses in the NFL by most measures, the Vikings managed 13 wins in 2022 with one of the most successful passing offenses in the league.
Skol Vikes!!