Vikings seek approval to interview 49ers assistant GM for head role

The Minnesota Vikings have moved to formalise their front office restructuring by requesting permission from the San Francisco 49ers to interview assistant general manager RJ Gillen for their open general manager vacancy. This development marks a significant step in the team's institutional overhaul, which follows the dismissal of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January.

The recruitment drive is being conducted with the specific timing of the 2026 NFL draft in mind, as the organisation prepares to appoint a replacement for the departed executive. While several franchises across the league opted to restructure their leadership earlier in the offseason, the Vikings have chosen to delay these changes until after the draft concludes.

Gillen, currently serving as an assistant general manager with the Niners, is the subject of this new inquiry. Reports indicate that the candidate previously failed to secure a different general manager role earlier in the year, yet remains a target for the Vikings as they seek to rebuild their administrative structure.

The request for an interview is subject to the approval of the 49ers, who retain the authority to grant or deny access to their personnel. It remains unclear at this stage whether the San Francisco administration will authorise the meeting or if a specific timeline has been established for the potential interview.

This recruitment activity underscores the ongoing volatility within the league's front offices, where executive stability is frequently reassessed. The Vikings' decision to target Gillen suggests a continued focus on experienced leadership, even as they navigate the complexities of a post-draft transition period.