UFC 328 press conference start time: Watch live stream online for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
Catch the UFC 328 press conference live with Chimaev vs. Strickland!
The Vikings have requested an interview with 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen for their vacant GM position. Gillen has a strong reputation in the NFL and has been with the 49ers for 11 seasons.
Mentioned in this story
The Vikings have requested an interview with 49ers assistant general manager RJ Gillen as Minnesota continues its search for a new general manager. Coincidentally, Minnesota's former GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, rejoined the San Francisco 49ers in late February as an executive.
Gillen has quietly built a strong reputation around the league during his time in San Francisco, helping construct one of the NFL's deepest and most consistently competitive rosters. The 49ers have become known for their aggressive roster-building philosophy, elite player development, and ability to consistently uncover impact talent throughout the draft and free agency.
Gillen is in his 11th season with the 49ers and first as assistant general manager. He spent the previous two seasons (2023-24) as director of player personnel and three seasons (2021-23) as director of pro personnel after serving five years as a pro personnel scout. He joined the 49ers as an assistant in the scouting department from 2015 16.
In his role, Gillen oversees and manages the daily operations of the player personnel department and advises General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan on personnel decisions and team-building strategies. Gillen helps prepare the club for acquisitions throughout the year through his pro and college player evaluations and assistance in constructing the pro free agency and college draft boards.
That success has naturally elevated the profiles of executives throughout the organization.
Before joining San Francisco, Gillen spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and previously worked in scouting roles that helped shape his personnel background. With the 49ers, he has played an important role alongside general manager John Lynch in building a roster capable of sustained playoff success in the NFC.
Minnesota's interest in Gillen also reflects the broader league trend of targeting executives connected to stable, winning organizations. The Vikings appear focused on finding a leader who can balance immediate competitiveness with long-term roster sustainability as the franchise continues to build around its young core.
RJ Gillen is the assistant general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, overseeing player personnel operations and advising on team-building strategies.
The Vikings are searching for a new general manager and see Gillen as a strong candidate due to his successful track record with the 49ers.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's return to the 49ers as an executive coincides with the Vikings' search for a new GM, highlighting the ongoing connections between the two organizations.
Catch the UFC 328 press conference live with Chimaev vs. Strickland!
Aaron Rodgers is set to re-sign with the Steelers for the 2026 NFL season at age 43.
The Steelers vs. Ravens matchup is ranked among the top 10 games of the 2026 NFL season!
The Toronto Blue Jays may become sellers at the MLB Trade Deadline due to their poor record of 16-21. A predicted fire sale could be beneficial for the team, potentially saving them $100 million.
Can Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328?
Netflix lands NFL Week 1 Australia game, Thanksgiving Eve game likely
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
For now, the interview request represents another important step in the Vikings’ front-office process. Whether Gillen ultimately lands the job remains to be seen, but Minnesota’s interest signals the franchise is casting a wide net while targeting executives with proven experience inside successful NFL organizations.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings target 49ers assistant GM in front office search