The Minnesota Vikings are making big changes in the organization by firing general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer, per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero.

Zimmer's ouster after eight seasons as head coach was expected. The Vikings missed the playoffs the last two seasons, going 8-9 in 2021 after beating the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The writing had clearly been on the wall for Zimmer, who finishes his Vikings coaching tenure with a record of 72-56-1 record in the regular season and a 2-3 record in the playoffs. Minnesota reached the NFC Championship once with Zimmer at the helm, but the result was an ugly 38-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 season.

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Spielman had been with the Vikings since 2006 and was officially named general manager in 2012. Spielman made a big bet on Kirk Cousins as the franchise quarterback, but Cousins has only led Minnesota to one playoff appearance in four seasons.

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There will be a big decision to come on Cousins as well once a new regime takes over. While the veteran quarterback has consistently put up good numbers, his failure to lead Minnesota to success has made his tenure a disappointment, especially considering his massive contract.

The Vikings aren't the only disappointing team in the NFC North cleaning house, with the Bears also firing their general manager and head coach. Minnesota and Chicago both have a lot of work to do as they attempt to dethrone the Green Bay Packers in the coming years.