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Greylock · 01-31-2026, 12:22 PM

(01-31-2026, 10:07 AM)StickierBuns Wrote: Yep. Other than agreeing with the transaction, that's exactly right. I think they (KOC/staff) already have someone pegged. Whether they can get that person is another matter. But the GM will be a bystander in this particular matter, has to be with the timing. I mean, didn't they say they wouldn't hire a GM until after the Draft? That's the end of April...they can't afford to let free agency go without acting for what 50+ days? That's an eternity in free agency. Brez/Grigson/KOC are going to be responsible for what happens, with KOC taking the lead in the QB arena.

What I mean about lock step is the vision of the team. I can't imagine the Wilfs will hire a GM that KOC doesn't approve of. That won't happen again.

Really though why should this matter? If the team fails next season after a KOC run draft he will be gone most likely. A new GM likes to have his own people in place so if there is tension between the GM and head coach it's pretty easy to see who is the fall guy.

What has KOC done to have this much power anyway? Only looking at GM candidates that KOC approves of is short sighted by ownership, but then I guess it may be the Viking way. If they only look at the guys KOC approves of then just go ahead and hire the guy from the Rams and be done with it.

supafreak84 · 01-31-2026, 12:34 PM

(01-31-2026, 12:22 PM)Greylock Wrote: Really though why should this matter? If the team fails next season after a KOC run draft he will be gone most likely. A new GM likes to have his own people in place so if there is tension between the GM and head coach it's pretty easy to see who is the fall guy.

What has KOC done to have this much power anyway? Only looking at GM candidates that KOC approves of is short sighted by ownership, but then I guess it may be the Viking way. If they only look at the guys KOC approves of then just go ahead and hire the guy from the Rams and be done with it.

I'm in favor of hiring the Rams guy this time, but you are absolutely correct. What has OConnell done to wield so much power? Guy hasn't done shit and he's already calling the shots with ownership? Again, I've hit on this ad nauseum, but the Wilfs are just not smart football people.

JR44 · 01-31-2026, 12:56 PM

I never have gotten the feeling when KOC talked about JJM throughout this season that he is a big fan of his, always seems like there is a deep layer of frustration. I think the #1 priority for the team is going to be to bring in a new QB with the intention of competing for the QB1.

purplefaithful · (This post was last modified: 01-31-2026, 01:09 PM by purplefaithful.)

(01-31-2026, 12:56 PM)JR44 Wrote: I never have gotten the feeling when KOC talked about JJM throughout this season that he is a big fan of his, always seems like there is a deep layer of frustration. I think the #1 priority for the team is going to be to bring in a new QB with the intention of competing for the QB1.

I dont know if we'll ever get clarity on how frustrated the coach was or wasn't last year. I know I was frustrated at times as a fan with the QB play.

As far as what level of competition there'll be (or not or want) depends on who they are able to bring in and get to sign a contract.

I guess I'm in a hurry up and wait mode on that. If the Vikings are transparent with themselves and QB candidates about a true open competition, this is a desirable destination imo.

5 winningest team since KOC was hired, in spite of 8 different QB's (source: MB)
Reputation of a QB friendly system/coach
Jettas, good OL upside with healthy Darrisaw

medaille · 01-31-2026, 01:23 PM

(01-31-2026, 12:56 PM)JR44 Wrote: I never have gotten the feeling when KOC talked about JJM throughout this season that he is a big fan of his, always seems like there is a deep layer of frustration. I think the #1 priority for the team is going to be to bring in a new QB with the intention of competing for the QB1.

I think when push comes to shove, KOC just wants a guy that can run his offense the way it's designed to be run. I don't think that QB exists. I think KOC is destined to be frustrated with every QB that runs his system. I don't get much sense that he has any real desire to create a system around the QBs he has had, their strengths and their limitations. Just try them out and move on after they inevitably fail.

JR44 · 01-31-2026, 01:54 PM

What stood out to me the most in this moment was how the look on KOC's face and how he just stood back and took it all in and seemed so proud of Darnold, remember thinking there was no way he was going to let Darnold walk.

Vikergirl · 01-31-2026, 03:24 PM

JJM is going to need a thick skin because if KOC did not think he was ready it might be a bit awkward. Also developing a rookie is new to KOC. He has worked plenty with qbs that have experience so next season will be interesting

StickierBuns · (This post was last modified: 02-01-2026, 06:47 AM by StickierBuns.)

(01-31-2026, 03:24 PM)Vikergirl Wrote: JJM is going to need a thick skin because if KOC did not think he was ready it might be a bit awkward. Also developing a rookie is new to KOC. He has worked plenty with qbs that have experience so next season will be interesting

New for KOC? Its new for most HCs....hell, some NEVER get a chance to develop rookies. And how doesn't JJM have thick skin already, you keep bringing this up like he doesn't. Awkward? lol, trust me the whole JJM era so far has had plenty of awkwardness. How would this be new? IMO, its not KOC that needs patience with a rookie QB, its the fans.

I'll say this: its been very um.... 'interesting' to see some fans real thoughts on shit after this KAM firing. Rolleyes

MAD GAINZ · 02-01-2026, 08:20 AM

KOC hasn't done shit... Lol

Won 14 games twice already with two different QBs... went 7-10 in a season where Jefferson missed 6 games, his starting QB went down mid-season and won games with the Passtronaut and Mullens... won 9 games with a rookie JJM, Wentz, and rookie Brosmer.

I get that he needs to win in the playoffs to take another step, but look at what our recently fired GM did with the roster... Completely whiffed on our first draft class, gave up a ton of value in trade downs, had one great FA class but not much value in 2023 or 2025. Hasn't had many early picks to give the team cheap talented depth or starters since we traded a bunch of picks for Hockenson, Dallas Turner, and JJ McCarthy.

KOC is a very good HC, but how do you expect the guy to win a Super Bowl when the GM isn't developing a strong healthy roster that can sustain success? Some of you need to get a grip.

There is a reason KAM was fired and KOC wasn't... but just bash the one great thing we have going for this team and ignore where the problem really was.

StickierBuns · 02-01-2026, 09:16 AM

(02-01-2026, 08:20 AM)MAD GAINZ Wrote: KOC hasn't done shit... Lol

Won 14 games twice already with two different QBs... went 7-10 in a season where Jefferson missed 6 games, his starting QB went down mid-season and won games with the Passtronaut and Mullens... won 9 games with a rookie JJM, Wentz, and rookie Brosmer.

I get that he needs to win in the playoffs to take another step, but look at what our recently fired GM did with the roster... Completely whiffed on our first draft class, gave up a ton of value in trade downs, had one great FA class but not much value in 2023 or 2025. Hasn't had many early picks to give the team cheap talented depth or starters since we traded a bunch of picks for Hockenson, Dallas Turner, and JJ McCarthy.

KOC is a very good HC, but how do you expect the guy to win a Super Bowl when the GM isn't developing a strong healthy roster that can sustain success? Some of you need to get a grip.

There is a reason KAM was fired and KOC wasn't... but just bash the one great thing we have going for this team and ignore where the problem really was.

Preach.