Vikings Promise Big Things After Canning GM Rick Spielman, Coach Mike Zimmer

The Minnesota Vikings did more than just fire general manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer on Monday. They made some bold promises too.

"We are determined to have sustained success and bring Vikings fans the Super Bowl championships they expect and deserve," team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement.

Like others who have made changes, the Vikings will have a massive pool from which to choose their new front office members and coaching staff. The search, as always, will begin immediately.

“We appreciate Rick and Mike’s commitment to the team’s on-field success, their passion for making a positive impact in our community and their dedication to players, coaches and staff,” the Wilfs statement read. “While these decisions are not easy, we believe it is time for new leadership to elevate our team so we can consistently contend for championships. We wish both Rick and Mike and their families only the best.

"Our comprehensive search for a new general manager and head coach will begin immediately and will be led internally."

That last part seems obvious, but teams do sometimes hire outside firms to lead their search. The Vikings, however, have decided to take all the credit or blame themselves.

As for the players, well, had they been good enough, Spielman and Zimmer would still be employed by the team.

"We all have to look ourselves in the mirror," top wide receiver Adam Thielen told reporters.