Vikings Executive George Paton Will Interview for Panthers, Browns GM Jobs

The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers are both looking for a new general manager, and both teams have reportedly set up interviews with current Vikings assistant GM George Paton. This from Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer.

This isn’t the first time George Paton has been considered for a GM position. Last year he seemed headed to St. Louis, but ultimately spurned their offer to remain in Minnesota. It’s believed Paton rejected the Rams over concerns about how much authority he would actually have with head coach Jeff Fisher coming into the fold. The Vikings helped entice him back by agreeing to promote him to assistant GM under Rick Spielman.

If authority is a concern for Paton, he shouldn’t have to worry in Cleveland or Carolina. The Browns are rumored to be bringing in Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and will certainly want a strong GM above him to handle personnel. Carolina is looking for a strong personnel voice too after dumping GM Marty Hurney in the middle of the season. Carolina has already decided to bring back coach Ron Rivera, so whoever becomes GM there will have to accept Rivera and won’t be allowed to bring in their own guy.

Paton is considered a strong talent evaluator. He has loads of experience in the college scouting area and would be a great fit for a rebuilding franchise. The fact that two teams would be interested in Paton is not only a ringing endorsement of him but also Rick Spielman. Paton worked for Spielman both with the Bears and Dolphins before coming to work for him in Minnesota in 2006.

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