It was the second time in KOC’s three seasons as head coach that the Vikings have won at least 13 games, and they did so with rosters that were a mash-up of old and new as the organization tried to maneuver out of salary cap trouble left behind by the last regime.
The Vikings seem to be set up well for stability and sustained success, none of which was a given when O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were hired in 2022.
Some franchises descend into chaos and mismanagement, finding it hard to escape for many years if not decades. I had that on my mind Thursday as well, thinking about the New York Jets.
Spielman did a decent job building rosters in Minnesota, including having a key role in the trade for defensive end Jared Allen — who also had a huge Thursday upon learning of his Pro Football Hall of Fame honor.
But I would say the Vikings are on a much better trajectory now than the one Spielman left behind.
Here are four more things to know today: