Minnesota Vikings Staff Shuffling

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings announced several promotions throughout the team’s various departments. The staff shuffling was highlighted by the promotions of Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson and Vice President of Football Operations Demetrius Washington. Both are now Assistant General Managers. The promotions were originally reported a couple weeks ago when General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s contract extension was announced. With his long-time scouting experience, Grigson will continue to assist Adofo-Mensah on the football side of the evaluation process. Washington, like Adofo-Mensah, operates more from the analytical side of the game. Together, they form a strong problem-solving, football-evaluating trio at the top of the Vikings personnel group. The promotions were two of several the Vikings announced. 

Minnesota Vikings Promotions:

Ryan Grigson - Assistant General Manager

Demetrius Washington - Assistant General Manager

Terrell Barnes - Assistant Equipment Manager

Milan Burgess - Manager, Team Operations

Luke Burson - Senior Director of Football Information Systems

Taylor Brooks - Senior Player Personnel Analyst

Mike Desplenter - Senior Database Administrator

Quinn Gjersvig - Director of Family Engagement

Michelle Mankoff - College Area Scout (Northeast)

Connor Whicker - Associate Head Athletic Trainer

Minnesota Vikings Updated Titles:

Matt Duhamel - Director of Sports Medicine

Jack Essler - College Area Scout (Midwest)

Chuck Petersen - Senior Manager, Team Operations/Liaison to Player Personnel

Dan Ridenour - Assistant Strength Coach/Head of Applied Sports Science

Pat Roberts - Senior College Executive

Minnesota Vikings New Hire:

Ella Pearson - Football Video Coordinator 

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It’s good to see Terrell Barnes get a promotion. It feels like he’s been with the team for decades assisting Dennis Ryan with the team’s equipment. Remarkably, the Vikings have had only three equipment managers in their 64 years. Stubby Eason kicked it off in 1961 and passed the keys to Ryan in the late 1970s. Ryan was the Vikings equipment manager for nearly 50 years. I thought for sure Barnes would take over when the time came. Instead, Mike Parson became the team’s third equipment manager. 

Considering the top grades the Vikings get for how the team takes care of the player’s families, Quinn Gjesvig is very deserving of this promotion. 

It’s outstanding to see Taylor Brooks and Michelle Mankoff get the scouting/personnel opportunities they’re getting from the Vikings. Hopefully, they get further opportunities to continue their football climb.