Vikings Hire Rick Spielman

The Vikings have hired Rick Spielman as their next vice president of player personnel, replacing Fran Foley. Spielman brings 15 years of experience in NFL scouting and management with him to the Vikings.

With Fran Foley almost one month into the Vikings’ rear-view mirror, Rick Spielman will be the team’s new vice president of player personnel.

Foley was fired days after the 2006 NFL Draft after a reportedly abrasive personality didn’t mix well with current members of the staff and inaccuracies were discovered in his biography.

Spielman spent five years with the Miami Dolphins (2000-2004), the final year as general manager. He joined the Dolphins as vice president of player personnel in 2000 and was promoted two years later to senior vice president of player personnel and football operations.

Previously, Spielman spent three years as director of pro personnel with the Chicago Bears and seven years in the player personnel department of the Detroit Lions.

“We are extremely excited to hire Rick as our vice president of player personnel,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “We are impressed with Rick’s expertise, passion, character and work ethic.”

Speilman played linebacker at Southern Illinois (1983-86) before trying to make it in the NFL with training camp stints with the San Diego Chargers and Lions. He returned to Ohio State and earned his master’s degree. He is the older brother of former Lions Pro Bowl linebacker Chris Spielman.