Ben Goessling
@bengoessling.bsky.social
Minnesota Vikings beat writer at Star Tribune; track/cross country ass't coach at Apple Valley and Augsburg. Husband, girl dad, sinner saved by grace.
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Subscribe to the Access Vikings newsletter: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1788361/5824
Pinned
The making of J.J. McCarthy and the big business behind becoming an NFL quarterback
Is the Vikings’ new QB a product of a booming coaching industry, or was he destined to thrive in it? Either way, he’s a beacon for hopeful Vikings fans and an archetype for aspiring young players.
www.startribune.com
I spent the summer learning about the QB development industry: the private coaches and elite camps that now produces many of the country's top prospects.
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
It's complex and costly, but for some — like J.J. McCarthy — it can fulfill childhood dreams. My project:
www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
As the #Vikings arrange their front office with Rob Brzezinski running the show, I took a closer look at their GM search timeline and what it means for the offseason in this week’s Access Vikings newsletter.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
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February 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
As the #Vikings arrange their front office with Rob Brzezinski running the show, I took a closer look at their GM search timeline and what it means for the offseason in this week’s Access Vikings newsletter.
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can sign up for the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Story on the Vikings hiring Matt Thomas as a consultant to help manage their cap while Rob Brzezinski directs the front office: www.startribune.com/vikings-hire...
Vikings hire Matt Thomas to help front office manage NFL salary cap
With Rob Brzezinski running the Vikings’ free agency and draft strategy, Matt Thomas is getting support in his former job, overseeing the cap.
www.startribune.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Story on the Vikings hiring Matt Thomas as a consultant to help manage their cap while Rob Brzezinski directs the front office: www.startribune.com/vikings-hire...
The #Vikings are hiring Matt Thomas, the longtime Seahawks VP of football operations, to join their front office through the NFL draft as a football admin consultant. Thomas will work with Emily Badis on Vikings salary cap issues while Rob Brzezinski is the team's point person for the front office.
February 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
The #Vikings are hiring Matt Thomas, the longtime Seahawks VP of football operations, to join their front office through the NFL draft as a football admin consultant. Thomas will work with Emily Badis on Vikings salary cap issues while Rob Brzezinski is the team's point person for the front office.
Got any #Vikings questions? Send them this way, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Sign up for Access Vikings
Sign up for Minnesota Vikings news and complete team coverage.
link.email.startribune.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Got any #Vikings questions? Send them this way, and we’ll answer them in the Access Vikings newsletter or mailbag episode of the podcast (both out Friday).
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
You can subscribe to the free newsletter here: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig....
Many know Rob Brzezinski as the #Vikings' cap wizard, working in relative anonymity to manage the team's money. Within the building, though, few are as highly regarded or well-liked as Brzezinski, who's played a variety of key roles in 27 years with the team. www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Who is Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' new front-office leader?
Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the Vikings since 1999, is tasked with leading the front office after General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing.
www.startribune.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Many know Rob Brzezinski as the #Vikings' cap wizard, working in relative anonymity to manage the team's money. Within the building, though, few are as highly regarded or well-liked as Brzezinski, who's played a variety of key roles in 27 years with the team. www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New Access Vikings ep. w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social kicking off Super Bowl week chatting with Seahawks quarterbacks coach (and former Vikings asst.) Andrew Janocko.
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
Vikings add three coaches, Seahawks QBs coach Andrew Janocko joins
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' recent coaching additions for the 2026 season and chat with Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, who coached with the…
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 9:55 PM
New Access Vikings ep. w/ @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social kicking off Super Bowl week chatting with Seahawks quarterbacks coach (and former Vikings asst.) Andrew Janocko.
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
We also talk Vikings coaching hires.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/9wjsk_a6ML8
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had two mandates when he became #Vikings GM: Fix the team’s salary cap picture and refresh the roster. The Vikings’ draft misfires meant they couldn’t fulfill those mandates, leading to Adofo-Mensah’s firing this week: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Analysis: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s firing as Vikings GM rooted in frustration over the draft
Restocking the roster with young talent was one of the two mandates asked of him when he was hired, but four years later the team remains in desperate need of help.
www.startribune.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had two mandates when he became #Vikings GM: Fix the team’s salary cap picture and refresh the roster. The Vikings’ draft misfires meant they couldn’t fulfill those mandates, leading to Adofo-Mensah’s firing this week: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Smith, in particular, is an interesting hire; he'd played a big role in Mike McDaniel's run game in Miami, and will have a key voice in the Vikings' run game. He's coached OL and TEs, and will speak into some of the Vikings' scheme and technique design.
January 31, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Smith, in particular, is an interesting hire; he'd played a big role in Mike McDaniel's run game in Miami, and will have a key voice in the Vikings' run game. He's coached OL and TEs, and will speak into some of the Vikings' scheme and technique design.
The Vikings made four moves for their coaching staff on Saturday, hiring former Dolphins OC Frank Smith as assistant head coach while promoting Keith Carter to the OL coach job.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
January 31, 2026 at 5:35 PM
The Vikings made four moves for their coaching staff on Saturday, hiring former Dolphins OC Frank Smith as assistant head coach while promoting Keith Carter to the OL coach job.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
On defense, they hired Ryan Nielsen as their DL coach and brought in Gerald Alexander to replace Daronte Jones.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
🚨 Emergency Access Vikings episode talking about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now wherever you listen to your podcasts and on YouTube. 🚨
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
January 30, 2026 at 10:01 PM
🚨 Emergency Access Vikings episode talking about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's firing with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is live now wherever you listen to your podcasts and on YouTube. 🚨
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
youtu.be/7humsJNHTMg
They'll approach this search that way, but "if something comes up and we want to be nimble," they'll consider it.
January 30, 2026 at 7:58 PM
They'll approach this search that way, but "if something comes up and we want to be nimble," they'll consider it.
Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said the team will conduct a "thorough search" for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's replacement. The Wilfs lean toward "a traditional role where the GM is the decision maker, with extremely heavy input from the head coach and the coaching staff," Wilf said.
January 30, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said the team will conduct a "thorough search" for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's replacement. The Wilfs lean toward "a traditional role where the GM is the decision maker, with extremely heavy input from the head coach and the coaching staff," Wilf said.
Rob Brzezinski will provide some stability for now, but it's another major change for the front office. Assistant GM Ryan Grigson's future could be in doubt, and it's fair to wonder if a new GM will trigger a larger series of moves.
January 30, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Rob Brzezinski will provide some stability for now, but it's another major change for the front office. Assistant GM Ryan Grigson's future could be in doubt, and it's fair to wonder if a new GM will trigger a larger series of moves.
There had been tension in the Vikings organization over the past couple years, particularly as the team's drafts had failed to produce consistent starters. But Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been down at the Senior Bowl this week, as the Vikings had deliberated about what to do.
January 30, 2026 at 6:28 PM
There had been tension in the Vikings organization over the past couple years, particularly as the team's drafts had failed to produce consistent starters. But Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been down at the Senior Bowl this week, as the Vikings had deliberated about what to do.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
New Access Vikings ep. with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is out now.
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
January 28, 2026 at 8:04 PM
New Access Vikings ep. with @bengoessling.bsky.social and @andrewkrammer.bsky.social is out now.
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
More coaching carousel chatter, plus discussing the Super Bowl QB matchup between two Vikings "What ifs" in Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
Listen wherever you get your pods or watch: youtu.be/ytc2xoKlN3g
I mention Maye because they made an offer to get him. Even if it didn’t happen, it’s who they wanted and tried to get. Just adds a level of what-could-have-been intrigue to the whole thing. They’ve got a pretty good feel for the position, it seems; the irony is, the outcome will hinge on McCarthy.
January 26, 2026 at 3:39 AM
I mention Maye because they made an offer to get him. Even if it didn’t happen, it’s who they wanted and tried to get. Just adds a level of what-could-have-been intrigue to the whole thing. They’ve got a pretty good feel for the position, it seems; the irony is, the outcome will hinge on McCarthy.
I guess I’d also look at it to say that O’Connell’s read on quarterbacks has generally been pretty good. Doesn’t mean he will bat 100%, but he’s been right more often than not. Could make it especially cruel if McCarthy turns out to be a miss, but there’s a reason to think he can identify a QB.
January 26, 2026 at 3:19 AM
I guess I’d also look at it to say that O’Connell’s read on quarterbacks has generally been pretty good. Doesn’t mean he will bat 100%, but he’s been right more often than not. Could make it especially cruel if McCarthy turns out to be a miss, but there’s a reason to think he can identify a QB.
Yeah, if this provides a little levity, I’m happy to help.
January 26, 2026 at 3:09 AM
Yeah, if this provides a little levity, I’m happy to help.
Yeah, the offer (which was three firsts and a pick swap) would have had to be even bigger to get the Patriots to move. My point is, after they’d signed Darnold that March, they tried to shoot their shot for Maye.
January 26, 2026 at 3:08 AM
Yeah, the offer (which was three firsts and a pick swap) would have had to be even bigger to get the Patriots to move. My point is, after they’d signed Darnold that March, they tried to shoot their shot for Maye.
They were going to trade the two 2024 firsts, a 2025 first and something else (a pick swap, I believe). Would’ve taken an even bigger ransom to get the Patriots to deal the pick.
January 26, 2026 at 3:05 AM
They were going to trade the two 2024 firsts, a 2025 first and something else (a pick swap, I believe). Would’ve taken an even bigger ransom to get the Patriots to deal the pick.
Two years ago, Sam Darnold and Drake Maye could have been in the same #Vikings QB room. Instead, they’ll face each other in Super Bowl 60.
January 26, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Two years ago, Sam Darnold and Drake Maye could have been in the same #Vikings QB room. Instead, they’ll face each other in Super Bowl 60.
Jones and Mike Siravo would be the top internal candidates. I could see Jonathan Gannon if they didn’t go internal.
January 22, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Jones and Mike Siravo would be the top internal candidates. I could see Jonathan Gannon if they didn’t go internal.
I would think so, yes.
January 22, 2026 at 12:27 AM
I would think so, yes.
Brian Flores signed a contract extension to return as the #Vikings’ defensive coordinator. If he doesn’t receive a head coaching job, he’ll return to Minnesota.
January 22, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Brian Flores signed a contract extension to return as the #Vikings’ defensive coordinator. If he doesn’t receive a head coaching job, he’ll return to Minnesota.
Reposted by Ben Goessling
A “Notice of Termination of Prosecution” has been added to the Hillsborough County case file for Jordan Addison’s Florida arrest Jan. 12, indicating that charges are dismissed against the Vikings WR as of Jan. 20.
January 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM
A “Notice of Termination of Prosecution” has been added to the Hillsborough County case file for Jordan Addison’s Florida arrest Jan. 12, indicating that charges are dismissed against the Vikings WR as of Jan. 20.