Sep 26, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos basic supervisor George Paton earlier than the sport towards the New York Jets at Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports activities
His departure wasn’t a real shocker, however the timing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s dismissal positive was. The Vikings waited roughly three weeks after the season’s conclusion to fireside their basic supervisor after 4 years and determined to postpone the seek for a successor till the spring.
That search has certainly kicked off. An exterior search agency has been employed and the interviews will probably be carried out behind closed doorways, not like 4 years in the past when the franchise introduced every interview.
One man who has eliminated himself fully from any consideration is Broncos basic supervisor George Paton. Minnesota’s former assistant govt below Rick Spielman’s watch has signed a contract extension in Denver.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos basic supervisor George Paton speaks on the NFL Scouting Mix on the Indiana Conference Middle. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures
On Friday, the Broncos wrote on their web site, “The Denver Broncos have signed General Manager George Paton to a new five-year contract through the 2030 season, Owner and CEO Greg Penner announced Friday.”
Paton was employed within the Twin Cities for over a decade, however the Broncos provided him the promotion from assistant GM to GM in 2021 and he left TCO Efficiency Middle. As his contract was set to run out, Paton’s title surfaced in early Vikings GM rumors in January and February, however finally stayed put. It’s unclear whether or not both get together entertained a reunion.
The 56-year-old has overhauled Denver’s roster over time and touchdown head coach Sean Payton was definitely a house run three years in the past. His draft success has been up-and-down, however he undoubtedly discovered some affect gamers, headlined by Pat Surtain II.
The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider commented, “Broncos draft picks during Paton’s tenure have earned a combined nine Pro Bowl berths and five first-team All-Pro honors. Five of his draft picks since 2021 have signed second contracts with the team.”
He does, nonetheless, have some errors on his resume.
Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reacts after the sport towards the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Discipline at Mile Excessive. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports activities
Kosmider added, “Paton’s two notable misfires came in 2022. A blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson — Denver sent Seattle five draft picks, including first-rounders in the 2022 and 2023 drafts — netted only 11 wins in 30 starts over two seasons before the veteran was released. Nathaniel Hackett, Paton’s first head-coach hire in 2022, was fired after 15 games in his debut season.”
Wilson’s and Hackett’s tenures have been a catastrophe. Including Wilson may have match Minnesota’s quarterback monitor file. But, below Paton’s steerage, with new homeowners and a brand new head coach, the group has rebounded and made the journey to the AFC title recreation in January. The Broncos misplaced a detailed recreation to the New England Patriots, whereas quarterback Bo Nix was sidelined with a fractured ankle.
Within the meantime, the Vikings have six exterior candidates on their checklist.
Nov 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Payments assistant basic supervisor Terrance Grey in attendance because the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Payments at Acrisure Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Pictures
Vikings author Alec Lewis (The Athletic) reported this week, “The Minnesota Vikings entered the next phase of their general manager search Wednesday. According to league sources, the team submitted interview requests for six external candidates, all of whom are assistant general managers for their respective teams: Terrance Gray of the Buffalo Bills, John McKay of the Los Angeles Rams, Nolan Teasley of the Seattle Seahawks, Chad Alexander of the Los Angeles Chargers, RJ Gillen of the San Francisco 49ers and Dave Ziegler of the Tennessee Titans.”
It’s straightforward to guage coordinators who’re head-coaching candidates as a result of their affect is straight seen on the display on Sundays, nevertheless it’s at all times a thriller from the surface what assistant GMs truly do of their respective franchises. It’s anybody’s guess who the highest candidates are.
There’s an excellent probability the operations will get a brand new chief within the subsequent few weeks or months.
Janik Eckardt is a German sports activities nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He selected the Vikings to be his … Extra about Janik Eckardt
