Report: Colts Request to Interview Vikings George Paton; Seahawks Execs for GM Job
According to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero, the Indianapolis Colts have already requested permission to interview Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton, as well as Seattle executives Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer for their general manager opening:
Source: #Colts also have requested an interview with #Vikings assistant GM George Paton, who is top choice for #49ers job.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 23, 2017
#Colts have put out several interview requests for GM candidates. #Seahawks execs Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer on the list, per sources
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 23, 2017
Regarding Paton, he’s spent the past 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings as the Assistant General Manager–serving alongside general manager Rick Spielman.
Prior to joining the Vikings, Paton was the Miami Dolphins Director of Pro Personnel (2001-06) and began his professional scouting career with the Chicago Bears–before being elevated to their Assistant Director of Pro Personnel in 2000.
Paton was a 4-year letter winner as defensive back for UCLA (1988-91).
With the Vikings, Paton has helped build a talented roster–particularly on defense.
It started with the drafting of All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson, but has continued–only defensively with the selections of the likes of defensive tackle Linval Joseph, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, defensive end Brian Robison, inside linebacker Eric Kendricks, outside linebacker Anthony Barr, safety Harrison Smith, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes among others.
Meanwhile, Kirchner is currently the Co-Director of Player Personnel for the Seahawks, which is a position he has held since 2015 within the organization.
He has previously served as the Seahawks Director of Player Personnel (2013-14) and Assistant Director of Pro Personnel (2010-12).
Prior to joining the Seahawks, Kirchner was a pro scout for the Carolina Panthers (2002-10) and even earlier a college scouting coordinator for the Washington Redskins (2001-02).
Kirchner was a former 2-year quarterback for Saint John’s (Minnesota).
Per Joe Fann of 49ers.com (who interviewed Kirchner for their vacant general manager position as well), Kirchner has had particular success with the scouting of a number of defensive stars:
"“Kirchner played a role in Carolina’s selections of linebacker Thomas Davis and pass-rusher Julius Peppers,” writes Fann. “Upon joining the Seahawks, he deserves credit for Seattle’s decision to draft quarterback Russell Wilson, linebacker Bobby Wagner and cornerback Richard Sherman.”"
Lastly, the Seahawks other Co-Director of Player Personnel, Scott Fitterer, has been in his current role since 2015.
Prior to his promotion, Fitterer served as the Seahawks Director of College Scouting (2010-14) and the Assistant Director of College Scouting (2005-09).
He has been with Seattle since 2000, having been initially hired as an area scout.
Next: Colts Refute Report of Recent Interest in Saints Sean Payton
Like Kirchner, Fitterer can likely be credited with the finding of a number of Seahawks stars including quarterback Russell Wilson, wide receiver Doug Baldwin, defensive end Michael Bennett, inside linebacker Bobby Wagner, cornerback Richard Sherman, safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
Along with current Vice President of Football Operations Jimmy Raye III–who’s also interviewing, it’s shaping up to be an impressive group of general manager candidates for the Colts.