KAM Presser Reveals Strong Relationship With Kevin O’Connell
Noah Moore
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New Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media ahead of the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday.
As usual, Kwesi came across as knowledgeable and charismatic. In terms of specific draft intel, as expected, he kept the cards close to the vest, deflecting questions that might give away key information. In fact, it appears as if he takes after former Vikings GM Rick Spielman in terms of saying a lot while actually revealing nothing. However, one thing Kwesi did reveal information about is his relationship with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Over the past several years, the Minnesota Vikings have struggled to win key games despite having a talented roster. As the previous regime unravelled, details emerged about how dysfunctional the relationship was between former head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.
Hopefully, the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell relationship will be markedly different.
The Zimmer-Spielman Rift
Just a week after their firings, articles flooded the internet with quotes about how the two were not on the same page. The situation deteriorated to the point where they hadn’t spoken to each other in months. Even Patrick Peterson, who claimed that he came to Minnesota to play for Mike Zimmer, said that the team needed to be “led in a new direction.”
It soon became clear that leadership had lost control of the team. This almost certainly damaged the product they were able to put out on the football field.
Kwesi + O’Connell
Under the new leadership of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, the hope is to eradicate the issues from the Zimmer-Spielman era through a cohesive and productive relationship between coach and general manager. Kwesi seemed aware of these concerns and touched on his relationship with O’Connell almost immediately.
During his opening statement, Kwesi said, “As we’ve gone deeper in the personnel process, everyday, you know, being next to Kevin is incredible.”
He continued to speak about how much he appreciates O’Connell’s understanding of personnel, saying: “You want to work with a coach you would work for.” This means that the GM trusts and values O’Connell’s input throughout the draft process.
This is night and day from Zimmer and Spielman.
Kwesi also deflected questions focused directly about his personal opinion or philosophy. He is more focused on building a cohesive team with his scouts and coaches rather than taking credit for running the operation. This is an admirable trait, providing hope that the Vikings can move on from the issues that plagued them throughout the past several football seasons.
Based on the comments in today’s press conference, the organization appears headed in the right direction under the leadership of their two new hires.
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