The Vikings' promotion of Kevin Warren to chief operating office is probably a good move.

I can't offer a more definitive opinion because most of what behind-the-scenes NFL executives do remains...behind the scenes. If Warren were a great or terrible administrator, we may never know, and his performance might not ever affect the team's on-field performance.

This much I do know:

When the Vikings held consecutive press conferences last September to address their handling of Adrian Peterson's case, the only person who took the podium who seemed capable of offering a measured and nuanced statement was Kevin Warren.

That makes this promotion understandable and perhaps vital.

As I've written many times, the Vikings have grown into a big-league organization. However the Wilfs handle business in New Jersey, they have been good NFL owners. They have supported the franchise financially, pushed to win, yet been loyal to key employees through difficult times.

The Vikings have become excellent in terms of fan relations and media relations. They have engaged with their great players of the past, although I've heard from some former players that they could do even better in that regard.

What they have lacked in recent years is a key executive who could handle the inevitable difficult press conferences. GM Rick Spielman is personable in small groups and one-on-one but looked like he was being electrocuted during his press conference about Peterson last year. He and coach Mike Zimmer are football guys who should not be expected to handle a press conference on a topic as sensitive to the public and sponsors as child abuse.

Warren can handle that. He gives the Vikings a chance to look as professional on the podium as they have become in other aspects of their business.

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