In the latest episode of Two Old Bloggers, hosts Dave Stefano and Darren Campbell deliver a sharp, candid breakdown of everything shaking up Vikings land heading into the 2026 season. The duo zeroed in on a troubling theme emerging from Minnesota’s ongoing GM search: top assistant GM candidates like Chad Alexander may be declining interviews because the Wilfs appear unwilling to hand the new hire real authority. As Darren put it, “If you come in there and you gotta fit in, then that suggests guys
like Ryan Grigson and Demetrius Washington… that might mean that you can’t move away from them and bring in your own guys.” Dave added that the org chart appears to be shifting toward a president of football ops model — with Rob Brzinski at the top — leaving a potential GM wondering, “If I’m gonna be a GM, I wanna be the head cheese.” Ray Agnew of the Detroit Lions was flagged as the most intriguing candidate, both for his role in Detroit’s dramatic turnaround and the delicious irony of poaching talent from a division rival. The hosts also turned their attention to the 2026 NFL schedule, praising the opportunity of opening with back-to-back NFC North divisional games against Green Bay and Chicago, while warning of a brutal five-game stretch beginning October 25th featuring the Colts, Lions, Bills, Packers, and a trip to Mexico City to face the 49ers.
Key Points from This Episode:
- GM Search Red Flag: Chad Alexander reportedly declined his Vikings interview — possibly over concerns about limited GM authority under the current front office structure
- Ray Agnew is the Name to Watch: The Lions’ assistant GM is considered the top candidate; poaching him could also weaken a division rival
- 2026 Schedule Opens Hot: Vikings face the Packers at home (without Micah Parsons) then travel to Soldier Field, where they’ve won six straight — a huge 2-0 opportunity
- October-November Gauntlet: A five-game stretch starting Week 7 against the Colts, Lions, Bills, Packers, and 49ers in Mexico City is the season-defining stretch
- Jauan Jennings Arrives Motivated: Signed for $8M after turning down $17M/year with San Francisco — “That’s a bet he lost badly,” said Darren, but his chip-on-the-shoulder energy could be a major Vikings weapon
- Adrian Peterson: Ring of Honor, No-Doubter on the Field: 11,747 rushing yards, 97 TDs as a Viking, fifth all-time in NFL rushing — but his lengthy list of off-field incidents makes the honor complicated
- Schedule Video Gold: The Vikings’ 2026 schedule release video featuring Will Reichard and Chris Jericho was ranked near-elite by The Athletic, packed with Easter eggs trolling rivals
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If you’re a Minnesota Vikings fan who wants honest, unfiltered analysis delivered with the passion of people who’ve bled purple and gold for decades, Two Old Bloggers on Vikings 1st & SKOL is must-listen content. Dave and Darren don’t sugarcoat — whether they’re questioning ownership’s front office vision, mapping out schedule landmines, or debating whether AP’s legacy survives his personal demons, they say what SKOL Nation is actually feeling. Catch every episode on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel and on the Fans First Sports Network — sports takes for the fan, from the fan. SKOL!
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What do you think, Vikings fans?
Should the Wilfs give the new GM full control to overhaul the front office, or is continuity the right call heading into 2026?
