StribSports Daily Delivery

Introduction: Host Michael Rand liked a lot of what he saw in Wednesday's men's basketball game between the Gophers and rival Badgers, even if Minnesota came up just short in a 68-67 loss. Moral victories aren't a thing in the standings, but you can see the foundation being put in place by head coach Ben Johnson. Plus Rand takes a second-day look at the Wild's budding goalie dilemma, fresh with remarks from head coach Dean Evason shifting blame away from Cam Talbot. 9:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins the show as the Wolves prepare to play the final 23 games of their post-All Star schedule. It starts with four tough games, including Thursday against Memphis -- a possible playoff preview if things go well for the Wolves down the stretch. What are realistic expectations, and what does Hine want to see from this team as games become more meaningful? 29:00: A quick run through three interesting stories: Troy Aikman reportedly is going to join Monday Night Football; Aaron Rodgers reportedly wasn't promised a trade; and MLB has set a Monday deadline for a resolution to its labor standoff, after regular-season games will be impacted.

Introduction: A third poor start in a row for Wild goalie Cam Talbot has host Michael Rand wondering about the team's short-term and long-term plans at the position. Kaapo Kahkonen has better numbers in fewer opportunities this season and could soon supplant Talbot as the Wild's go-to netminder. But are either of them of a caliber that could win a playoff series for the Wild? That's a question they will need to answer. 7:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to talk about Kevin O'Connell's picks for his coordinators and what they might tell us about the direction of the team in 2022. Plus Rand and Goessling talk about why a Kirk Cousins trade to Carolina doesn't make any sense. 27:00: Aaron Rodgers attempts to clarify himself, Part 17 ... Gophers vs. Badgers on Wednesday has plenty of intrigue ... A must-read Patrick Reusse column.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand reads aloud from Aaron Rodgers' latest search for attention, a lengthy Instagram post in which he expresses gratitude and thanks several people -- including teammates -- for the past year. Is it an indication that he's happy where he is? Is it a farewell? Only Rodgers knows, and hopefully we will know soon what he is actually going to do in the future. Rand also takes note of a report Monday that suggests Carolina is interested in Kirk Cousins. 9:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to give his thoughts on Cousins, new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Michigan/Wisconsin fight on Monday. 29:00: The local sports calendar hit a little lull, but it's coming back now.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a spin through some of the biggest stories in sports. They start with the brawl between the Michigan and Wisconsin men's basketball teams on Sunday, which started with a confrontation between head coaches Juwan Howard and Greg Gard. Reusse's takeaway: Do away with handshakes. Plus Reusse walks us through is ranking of the nine previous coaches in Vikings history, which includes a controversial pick at No. 3. And he gets Bud Grant's thoughts on Kirk Cousins.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listened (and listened again) to new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's introductory news conference and picked out what he deems the five most important things from what was said. You'll hear audio clips from those five moments -- including O'Connell's thoughts on Kirk Cousins, his defensive philosophy and that ever-important "collaboration" -- along with why Rand thinks they are so important. 15:00: Rand caught up with Tom Craft, who recruited O'Connell and was his head coach at San Diego State in the mid-2000s. Craft gives perspectives on O'Connell's personality and why he thinks O'Connell will succeed as a head coach. 22:00: Jim Harbaugh shockingly got a contract extension and raise from Michigan after his flirtation with the Vikings ... the Gophers basketball teams had a pair of ugly losses, but the hockey team got a big recruit ... and La Velle E. Neal III checked in from Beijing with an Olympic dispatch.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts the show with a pair of disappointing Wednesday hockey results, with the U.S. women falling 3-2 to Canada in the gold medal game and the Wild losing for the second time in a week to a mediocre Winnipeg team. Wild coach Dean Evason didn't mince words after the game, and you'll hear from him. 6:00: Timberwolves writer and podcaster Dane Moore joins the show for an examination of the Wolves at the All-Star break. They're 31-28 after Wednesday's loss to Toronto in what has been a very eventful first 59 games. Moore and Rand will put it all into perspective, with thoughts on the Patrick Beverley extension, defensive adjustments and more. 30:00: What to listen for when Kevin O'Connell is introduced today; and former Gophers coach Tubby Smith has called it a career.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand gives baseball-starved fans a little treat with a "season preview" of the 1987 Twins. He analyzes the roster, looks at Bert Blyleven's bold prediction of World Series contention from the at the end of a 91-loss season in 1986 and concludes that such talk is wishful thinking. There's just not enough pitching and too much of a gap to overcome. 6:00: The 1987 Twins, of course, won the World Series. Rand welcomes one of the heroes of that team, Bloomington native and Twins legend Kent Hrbek, onto the show to talk about that team and the progression to winning it all. Plus Hrbek, whose career was bookended by labor stoppages, has thoughts on the current MLB negotiations. 23:00: The Wolves missed 42 three-pointers and 16 free throws but still managed to beat Charlotte on Tuesday. It wasn't a work of art, but wins like that are important in establishing yourself as a good team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand sings the praises of Wild rookie Matt Boldy, who has given the team another dimension since his arrival. Minnesota is 11-1-1 when Boldy has played, and he has given Kevin Fiala new energy. Boldy's hat trick in Monday's 7-4 win was just part of the story, as head coach Dean Evason said after the game. 6:00: Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to talk through a number of different subjects. What can we expect new coach Kevin O'Connell to import from the Rams as he takes over this week? Does the Rams' success with Matthew Stafford influence the Vikings' decision on what to do with Kirk Cousins? Where is the money? And how closely should Minnesota monitor the Aaron Rodgers situation? 26:00: The Wolves secured Patrick Beverley for another season with a one-year extension on Monday, while MLB took another step back in negotiations.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the Super Bowl, which was close but sometimes forgettable. Rand raves about the halftime show, while Reusse complains about how long it was. Plus a look at the resurgence of Anthony Edwards on the Wolves' win over the Pacers, a radical solution to fix college hockey (from Reusse) and talk of what the Vikings will do now that Kevin O'Connell will officially be taking over as head coach.

Introduction: After months of speculation, the 76ers traded Ben Simmons on Thursday right before the NBA's deadline. But it was not, of course, to the Wolves. Minnesota stood still at the deadline while Simmons went to the Nets in a blockbuster for James Harden. In the end, the Wolves and 76ers had the correct outcome through patience. The Wolves have improved internally this year without a trade, and Philadelphia got the core player they craved in a deal. 6:00: Mark Craig joins to talk about the Super Bowl and to offer his thoughts on new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. Plus the Vikings just agreed to hire a new defensive coordinator. What will veteran Ed Donatell bring to the team, and what does a potential shift to a 3-4 defense mean for some of the Vikings' highest-paid players? 26:00: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said he is an "optimist" and noted the disaster it would be if regular-season games are missed as a result of the ongoing work stoppage. Pardon me if I'm not as optimistic.

Introduction: With the NBA trade deadline approaching Thursday, the Wolves saw their five-game win streak end with a 132-119 loss to the Kings. It was more defensive slippage for the Wolves, whose offense has been clicking. One game shouldn't determine what happens at the trade deadline, but someone like Marcus Smart could be a big pickup. Plus the Gophers lost in both men's and women's basketball. 6:00: Lynx guard and former Gophers guard Rachel Banham joins the show after re-signing with the team for another year. She talked about her legendary marathon breakfasts with Cheryl Reeve, her goals for the season and the viral moment caught on video recently during which she got engaged to former Gophers men's basketball player Andre Hollins. 17:00: Host Michael Rand takes a look at all six Minnesota major pro teams and determines what one thing each of them needs the most.

Introduction: The Timberwolves won again Tuesday, taking care of a depleted Sacramento team as the trade deadline approaches. Minnesota is 29-25 and has a roster that might make it less tempting to make a trade than it appeared a month ago. But the Wolves also need Anthony Edwards to get going down the stretch. You'll hear from head coach Chris Finch on that subject and Jordan McLaughlin on the strength of the bench. 9:00: Rachel Blount, the Star Tribune's Olympics writer, checks in from Beijing where she has been very busy already. She provides insights into Jessie Diggins' historic bronze medal and details other major events coming up. 15:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller has details on that team's recent struggles and its hopes of getting back on track against Nebraska on Wednesday. 27:00: The Wild might want to flush Tuesday's game away.

Introduction: Afton's Jessie Diggins made history again early Tuesday, taking home the bronze medal in the women's individual freestyle sprint at the Beijing Games -- the first U.S. woman to win a medal in an individual cross-country skiing event. 5:00: Jim Souhan joins host Michael Rand as they discuss a variety of subjects, including: The Gophers women's basketball team is struggling this year in Lindsay Whalen's fourth season, but Souhan is urging patience as she continues to grow into the job and welcomes in a strong recruiting class next year. ... Plus thoughts on the Vikings' coaching hire and what the Wolves should do at the trade deadline. 25:00: It's important to remember as always when you hear trade rumors: Teams are often trying to create leverage, and they are doing it by filtering messages of varying degrees of truth through the national media.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at some of the biggest stories in sports. A week ago, Reusse declared he would be shocked if Jim Harbaugh got the job as Vikings head coach. On this week's show, Reusse says he was right ... but for all the wrong reasons. He noted that Harbaugh really wanted the job, but that for whatever reason it didn't work out. And now we will see if it was the correct choice for the Vikings to go with Kevin O'Connell. And Reusse isn't buying the O'Connell-Kirk Cousins connection. Reusse also weighed in on the continued strong play of the Wolves and what they might do before the trade deadline this week, as well as the messed up negotiations in MLB and having a hard time getting into the Winter Games so far.

Introduction: Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal checks in from Beijing where he is in semi-quarantine after being a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID. How is he adapting and what has he been able to cover so far? 7:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins host Michael Rand for a midseason report. The Wild was red-hot going into the break thanks to a lot of balance up and down its lineup. Will that continue during a condensed second-half schedule, and what might the team do in March when the trade deadline arrives? 25:00: Hear from the newest member of the Lynx, five-time All-Star Angel McCoughtry. 28:00: Some key statistical markers from new Vikings head coach Kevin McConnell's offense with the Rams this year.

Introduction: The Vikings are set to hire Kevin O'Connell, the Rams offensive coordinator, as their next head coach -- ending a whirlwind process that included the emergence and disappearance of Jim Harbaugh as a presumed frontrunner. O'Connell is the type of coach the Vikings figured to hire when the process began -- young, and on the offensive side of the ball -- but the decision feels somewhat like a letdown after all that transpired, says host Michael Rand. 9:00: Chris Hine joins the show to discuss the Wolves' recent strong play of late -- particularly from bench contributors -- and to assess what the team might do before next week's trade deadline. 24:00: They played a freezing soccer game in St. Paul on Wednesday. The U.S. Men's National Team emerged with three key points in a 3-0 win over Honduras in World Cup qualifying, but was the extreme game really necessary? 27:00: As cold as that game was, the Wild offered the other extreme in Chicago. Minnesota cruised into the All-Star break with a 5-0 win over Chicago and sets up well for the final 41 games.

Introduction: The Vikings are scheduled to interview Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday, a stunning development based on where their coaching search presumably started. With one report suggesting Harbaugh's hiring is a done deal. It will be interesting to monitor Wednesday's developments -- particularly against the backdrop of a lawsuit filed Tuesday by Brian Flores. 9:00: Star Tribune soccer writer Jerry Zgoda joins the show to preview Wednesday's U.S. Men's National Team World Cup qualifier vs. Honduras at Allianz Field, which will be played in the extreme cold. Will that benefit a U.S. team that needs three points against a lesser opponent, or will that be an equalizing factor? Plus some notes from Zgoda on Minnesota United with the start of the regular season just a few weeks away. 24:00: The Wolves earned a nice win over Denver and are looking to be in good shape down the stretch of this season, while Tom Brady's official retirement prompted a tongue-in-cheek comparison to Kirk Cousins.

Introduction: The Wild signed wing Jordan Greenway to a three-year contract extension, signaling some stability to their core top nine players. Greenway has improved his two-way game in recent years and drew praise from GM Bill Guerin. 5:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins to talk through the team's expanding coaching search which now includes an interview with Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday. Enough happened between Monday afternoon and late Monday night that this segment had to be re-recorded -- a sign of the intrigue and drama likely ahead in this search. 26:00: Tom Brady says he hasn't decided yet if he's retiring, but nobody is buying it.

On a special edition of Daily Delivery, host Michael Rand looks back at one year and more than 260 episodes of the podcast. He gives a shout-out to listeners and curates some of his favorite interview clips from the last year.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at a compelling weekend in football and the latest Vikings drama. Kansas City seemed to be cruising to another Super Bowl appearance before everything fell apart in the second half against the Bengals in an eventual overtime loss. The second half performance by Patrick Mahomes is making Reusse reevaluate what he thinks of the star QB. The Rams, meanwhile, overcame their own miscues to outlast San Francisco, setting up a Super Bowl matchup few would have predicted. Plus Reusse and Rand react to rumblings of Jim Harbaugh being a Vikings head coach candidate -- something Reusse attributes to nothing more than agent-driven speculation -- and Mike Zimmer's girlfriend recently going on Twitter to refute some of what former GM Rick Spielman has been saying in recent radio interviews.

Introduction: On a night when the Gophers men's and women's basketball teams as well as the Timberwolves all lost, host Michael Rand answers a listener question about the Wolves roster assembled largely by former team president Gersson Rosas. How much credit does the since-fired Rosas deserve for the team's 24-24 record this season? 11:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment and offers initial impressions of new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 26:00: Bet you never thought of the Vikings trading Kirk Cousins to the ... Packers?

Introduction: Ahead of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's introduction Thursday as the new GM of the Vikings, host Michael Rand takes a look at five big questions. Will this type of unconventional hire, made popular lately in MLB and the NBA, work in the NFL? How will Adofo-Mensah's fresh set of eyes evaluate the Vikings' roster, including Kirk Cousins? Plus other questions. 11:00: Star Tribune Olympics writer Rachel Blount joins the show ahead of the start of the Winter Games next week to discuss all the great Minnesota story lines -- and the logistical challenges that await in Beijing. 29:00: More fuel for Aaron Rodgers to Denver speculation? And two good basketball games Thursday night.

Introduction: Anthony Edwards had 40 points for the Wolves on Tuesday in an important 109-107 win over Portland. The Wolves overcame a sluggish first half, raised their record over .500 and set themselves up for a decent road trip with the victory over the Blazers. 5:00: Former Vikings head coach Brad Childress joins the show to discuss a number of subjects, including: What is it really like to interview for a big job with the Vikings? What happens after you get fired? What does he think of Kirk Cousins? And what has he liked in this year's playoffs now that he's retired and can just sit back to watch football? 26:00: The Vikings might be nearing the end of their general manager search ... Aaron Rodgers can't stop talking about how he is perceived, which is part of his problem. ... David Ortiz is headed to the Hall of Fame.

Introduction: After crushing Montreal 8-2 on Monday, the Wild is tied for third in the NHL with 149 goals. The lineup continued to show balance and star power, with Kirill Kaprizov reaching 100 career points faster than any other player in team history. Combine that with a blistering January for the Wolves, who lead the NBA in offensive efficiency since the calendar turned to 2022, and it's a good time to watch Minnesota sports. 4:00: Ben Goessling joins host Michael Rand for a look at the ongoing Vikings search for a general manager and head coach. The Vikings will have second interviews with two GM candidates -- Browns Vice President of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Tuesday and Chiefs Executive Director of Player Personnel Ryan Poles on Wednesday -- and could name a successor to Rick Spielman within a few days. The new GM will inherit a lot of questions and salary cap hurdles, which Goessling addressed as well. 21:00: Some bonus Patrick Reusse with a history lesson. It was 50 years ago today that the Gophers and Ohio State brawled in men's basketball. 31:00: Legal sports betting is coming soon to western Wisconsin, raising the stakes again for Minnesota.

Michael Rand and Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse covered more ground on Monday's show than a lot of NFL defensive backs did in the closing minutes of playoff games over the weekend. Subjects of note: *Great drama in all four NFL playoff games, with clutch plays and major gaffes telling the story. A lot of assistant coaches did themselves no favors in their bids to become head coaches. Quarterbacks, for the most part, told the story. *Was Saturday's 13-10 loss to San Francisco the final game for Aaron Rodgers with the Packers? Reusse thinks so, and Rand agrees. That would possibly make Vikings fans even happier than they were when Green Bay lost. *A big game for the Wolves, another 6 on 5 goal for the Wild and the Gophers men's basketball team keeps getting it done.

Introduction: Prompted by a listener question, host Michael Rand digs into team needs and salary cap situations to determine who he thinks are the five most likely teams to be interested in Kirk Cousins if the Vikings decide to try to trade him. Bottom line: There should be a market if the Vikings go that route. 9:00: Mark Craig joins the show to talk through the weekend slate of NFL games. The top-seeded Packers are getting healthy at the right time, but they face some matchup problems against the 49ers. Meanwhile, Rams vs. Buccaneers and Bills vs. Chiefs should be very entertaining. 25:00: The Gophers women's basketball team suffered one of the worst losses in program history Thursday against Iowa, part of a disappointing year. Meanwhile, the Loons welcomed back star Emanuel Reynoso.

Introduction: It was a tale of two nights for the Timberwolves. After a resilient win over the Knicks in which Wolves players -- most notably Karl-Anthony Towns -- gushed about being able to come through in big moments and battle through adversity, the Wolves melted down in the third quarter of Thursday's back-to-back against Atlanta in an 134-122 loss. Anthony Edwards was ejected. Karl-Anthony Towns had a flagrant foul and constantly battled officials. And afterward, D'Angelo Russell talked about the need for Towns to walk the line with his emotions. 12:00: Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen joins the show to talk about his recent stretch of strong play in the absence of Cam Talbot. He also talks about his relationship with Talbot, the developmental curve for a young goalie and how he got his start in hockey. 22:00: An update on the Vikings' search for a new coach and GM, plus Rand gives his thoughts on how likely a Kirk Cousins trade is this offseason.

Introduction: The Wolves pulled out a 112-110 win at the Knicks on Tuesday, a notable victory on several fronts. Karl-Anthony Towns made the biggest play of the game with a three-point play that put the Wolves ahead with about 30 seconds left. You'll hear a lot of interesting comments from him that show some of his growth and the team's growth this season. Plus the win came over Tom Thibodeau, who is not having the same level of success in Year 2 in New York. 12:00: Star Tribune writer Kent Youngblood joins the show to check in on the Gophers women's basketball team and the Lynx. The Gophers have had an up-and-down season. Better days are likely ahead with a strong recruiting class set to arrive next year, but more growth in Year 4 under Lindsay Whalen is needed. Plus free agency with the Lynx is set to start soon, and they have some interesting decisions to make. 22:00: An interesting name emerged in the Vikings' search for a coach: Raheem Morris. He has relative youth (45), previous head coaching experience and has been an assistant on both sides of the ball. 25:00: The Gophers men's basketball season is on pause, while Minnesota United has somehow already started again.

Introduction: With a two-goal game Monday -- both of which tied the game for the Wild in an eventual 4-3 shootout loss to Colorado -- Kirill Kaprizov moved up to ninth in the NHL with 44 points in just 34 games this season. Perhaps it goes without saying, but the great ones sometimes get taken for granted so let's say it anyway: Kaprizov is absolutely living up to his rookie season, and then some. 5:00: Former Gophers women's basketball coach Pam Borton joins the show on the heels of publishing her second book, "The Crooked Rim." Borton has moved into the corporate coaching after leading the Gophers from 2002-2014 and taking them to six NCAA tournaments, two Sweet 16s and a Final Four. 20:00: The Vikings are at a bit of a crossroads in their history. While the franchise has frustrated fans with its inability to win a Super Bowl, the Vikings rarely have bottomed out. A wrong set of hires and decisions in the coming weeks, though, could change that.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look at the big stories in sports. But first Reusse regales us with some thoughts on traveling several hours in the middle of winter to watch youth hockey tournaments. Reusse and Rand get into the Vikings coach/GM search and how the popular narrative in the last week has been to dump on fired Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. Plus some thoughts on the NFL playoffs and the Timberwolves, who beat the Steph Curry-less Warriors quite handily on Sunday evening.

Introduction: The Timberwolves' 116-108 loss to Memphis on Thursday was interesting on a number of fronts. It signaled (again) that Minnesota can compete with the league's best teams, given that Memphis is now 30-14. But it also showed what the Wolves are missing: The sort of consistent complementary veteran roster depth that the Grizzlies have. Will Minnesota be able to add to its roster before the trade deadline, as Sachin Gupta suggests? And could the Wolves have had their own version of Memphis' roster with a little more patience a few years ago? 12:00: Star Tribune Vikings/NFL writer Mark Craig joins for his weekly picks segment -- playoff edition -- and to give his thoughts on the ongoing search for a new general manager and head coach. 28:00: Which free agents should the Vikings try to keep? And some good hockey news for a bunch of Minnesotans.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand isn't into moral victories, but there were positive indicators in the Gophers men's basketball team's last-second 71-69 loss at Michigan State on Wednesday. It reaffirmed that this team should be competitive against most teams in the Big Ten -- assuming Minnesota is able to persevere for however long Eric Curry's ankle needs to heal. Plus the Gophers women's basketball team got a much-needed win at Wisconsin. 6:00: Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joined the show to give an update on MLB's labor situation. With the lockout dragging on, players and owners were set to resume talks on Thursday. What is the timetable? And what is the impact on the Twins if this drags out longer? 22:00: Five questions Rand would love to ask Mike Zimmer. And a statistical comparison between 2021 Kirk Cousins and 2009 Brett Favre that needs more context.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a break for several minutes from Vikings talk to dive into the Timberwolves' 128-125 loss to the Pelicans on Tuesday. It ended a four-game winning streak and kept the Wolves from getting over .500 at the midpoint of the season (20-21), and in the aftermath Karl-Anthony Towns talked about how players can't let love from the media get to their heads. Um, what? The narrative around this team is one of improvement, for sure, but has anyone really said they have arrived? Hear audio clips from Towns, Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley. 8:00: Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins the show to dissect what Rand deems the five most important things said about the Vikings in the last few days. Quotes from Eric Kendricks, Brian O'Neill, Mark Wilf, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman (the last two being official statements) shed light on individuals and the team going forward. 30:00: Scoggins thinks Kirk Cousins will be traded in the offseason, which is a good reason to remember that a new coach for the Vikings has tended to mean a QB gets drafted right away.

Introduction: The Vikings aren't the only team looking for a new head coach. Several other teams are in the market, bringing about this question: Just how attractive is the Minnesota job relative to other openings? It seems to be in the eye of the beholder, given that NFL.com ranks it worst and an ESPN analysis ranks it the best. Cap space is an issue, but there is some upside for an offensive-minded coach. Comments from Eric Kendricks and Brian O'Neill made it sound like players will be receptive to a new voice. 8:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins Michael Rand for an evaluation of the jobs done by both Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman. Again, it's a mixed bag with the last two seasons really sealing their fates. Problems and successes were familiar throughout their tenures. 24:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team explores the idea of whether the Vikings will -- and can -- trade Kirk Cousins given the rest of the shakeups.

Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins host Michael Rand for a breaking news edition of Daily Delivery after Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman were fired Monday morning. The Zimmer news felt like a foregone conclusion while the Spielman news registers as somewhat of a surprise based on a narrative that had emerged in recent weeks. But starting over at both spots will create a seismic shift for the Vikings and impact their direction for years to come. Goessling discusses which head coaching candidates might be the best fit in Minnesota, how he evaluates the tenures of both Zimmer and Spielman -- plus what might happen with QB Kirk Cousins in 2022 in the wake of the regime change.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand in the aftermath of a disappointing 8-9 Vikings season that ended Sunday with a win over Chicago. Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman and Kirk Cousins all had missteps this year and in past seasons. Reusse weighs in on the aftermath of the year and how he divides the blame. Plus more heroics for the kicker the Vikings cut in 2018 (Daniel Carlson), a Wolves winning streak, Wild back on the right track despite missing several players and the Gophers men's basketball team starting to slide.

Introduction: The Wild got a much-needed 3-2 win in Boston on Thursday, highlighted by Matt Boldy's first career goal in his first career game (all of it in front of family in his home state). Those good feelings, though, were dampened by what looks to be a significant upper body injury to Kirill Kaprizov after he was sent sprawling into the boards by the Bruins' Trent Frederic. Wild coach Dean Evason called it a "predatorial hit," and it will add to the adversity the short-handed Wild is facing. 6:00: Star Tribune basketball writer Marcus Fuller joins Rand to talk about the Gophers men's basketball team and the debut of his new Basketball Across Minnesota feature. Plus a much-needed road win for the Gophers women's basketball team, which played without head coach Lindsay Whalen as she recovers from an emergency appendectomy. 27:00: Star Tribune football writer Mark Craig joins with the picks segment off of the final NFL weekend of the season. It figures to be unpredictable.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand listens back and shares a few clips from Kirk Cousins' session with reporters on Wednesday -- his first comments since he landed on the COVID list late last week and had to miss the Vikings' pivotal game at Green Bay. Cousins didn't seem very contrite or forthcoming, leaving Rand wanting more -- perhaps a fitting theme for the 2021 Vikings. 8:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to talk about the team's frustrating stretch, which includes a five-game losing streak spread out almost nearly a calendar month because of COVID interruptions. Will the injection of Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi into the lineup Thursday at Boston jump-start the Wild, or will this slide continue? 20:00: Rand takes a look at the Wolves' 98-90 win over Oklahoma City and finds Aaron Rodgers firing back at the MVP voter who called him a "jerk."

Introduction: Host Michael Rand queries listeners/readers on this topic: If they were the Wilf family and had to/could only pick one of these three -- Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman or Kirk Cousins -- to keep in 2022, which would they pick? Rand reveals the surprising results and also takes a spin through the NFL MVP voter who won't pick "jerk" Aaron Rodgers. 8:00: Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine joins Rand for an update on that team after a tumultuous last month. Is there a reason to be optimistic even after several December losses and a COVID-wrecked last two weeks? Rand says there is, and Hine agrees. 28:00: The Gophers men's basketball team ran into a size problem Tuesday that could be a recurring theme in Big Ten play, while the Gophers football team and Wild added key players on Tuesday.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at the Wolves' win over the Clippers on Monday within the context of several local teams dealing with adversity. It appears as though the Wolves made it through a tough December and early January stretch -- in terms of the schedule and COVID absences -- in reasonable shape and might be in good position going forward. 5:00: Vikings writer Andrew Krammer joins the show for a look back at the film on the Vikings' 37-10 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. Did they really abandon the run too soon, as Mike Zimmer familiarly lamented? Plus Krammer looks at five young players this season who showed they are ready for consistent roles. 15:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team takes a big-picture look at this Vikings season and the ones that came before it and comes to a conclusion that the ceiling for 2022 is no higher than it was in 2021 -- signaling that it's time for a change.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for the first episode of 2022, which so far feels a lot like 2021 and every other year in Minnesota sports: Plenty of drama and not a lot of success. The Vikings lost 37-10 at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, a defeat that dashed any playoff hopes and came with a lot of baggage. QB Kirk Cousins missed the game because of COVID protocols; backup Sean Mannion didn't produce much of anything; and third string rookie Kellen Mond hardly got a vote of confidence. Head coach Mike Zimmer sounded exhausted and exasperated postgame -- the tone of a man who sounds like he knows his job is ending soon. Reusse builds the case for blowing it all up, which would also mean dumping GM Rick Spielman. Rand and Reusse disagree about whether Kirk Cousins is tradeable. Plus thoughts on the Winter Classic, the Wolves' stumbles and one thing Reusse is looking forward to in 2022.

Host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III for a look back at what they liked in 2021 and what they hope to see in 2022.

Introduction: Another day, more Minnesota athletes sidelined by COVID. This time, it was two of the biggest names: Karl-Anthony Towns and Dalvin Cook. Towns joins six other Wolves teammates on the COVID list, a growing number that was too much for the Wolves to overcome in a 128-116 loss at Utah on Thursday. 4:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to break down the Cook news and his reporting that quarterback Kirk Cousins has a cracked rib that landed him on the injury report for the first time in eight years. While the injury to Cousins doesn't sound like it will keep him out of Sunday's game, it is fair to wonder if it will limit his effectiveness against a stout Rams defense. Even a fully healthy Cousins might have his hands full if the Vikings' slumping offensive line can't perform better in a crucial game against Aaron Donald and co. 19:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment with a slate of games that might be as good as any all year. There are huge playoff implications across the board. And don't forget to check out the Saturday games.

Introduction: Jamison Battle had 23 points for the Gophers on Wednesday, helping them overcome a sluggish start to defeat Wisconsin-Green Bay 72-56. Meanwhile, Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell has been such an important part of his team's success that the statistical evidence bears repeating. Those two left-handed shooters will play a large role in determining just how far their teams go this year. 8:00: Gophers football wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell joins the show, fresh off his decision to return for a sixth season along with several other teammates on offense. What went into that decision? What is head coach P.J. Fleck really like every day? 16:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show to help preview Tuesday's bowl game against West Virginia. It's been a year of peaks and valleys. Can Minnesota end on a high note? 25:00: More evidence that pizza is relatively young.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with a look at how U.S. pro sports leagues are adapting to another surge in COVID cases. The NFL has tweaked its testing strategy to seemingly try to detect fewer cases. The NBA has no plans to pause, Commissioner Adam Silver said recently, and instead wants to play through it and live with COVID. The NHL isn't sending players to the Olympics and is on an extended break now. With data changing every day, what will be the final outcomes in this season? 5:00: Andrew Krammer joins Rand for the weekly Vikings film review, which tells a story that is both strange and familiar. The Vikings' offensive line struggled to protect Kirk Cousins on Monday, holding him to less than 100 yards passing. And Cousins didn't complete a single pass when pressured, a staggering repeat of his 0-for-pressure against Pittsburgh. And yet Minnesota won both of those games. It's both a testament to good play in other areas and a warning for what lies ahead. 18:00: My Least Favorite Team is My Favorite Team gets to the heart of Monday's game with this stunning conclusion: Was there one single play from the Vikings' win that made you excited? 33:00: A well-deserved honor for Lindsay Whalen.

Introduction: It never really felt like the Vikings were going to lose Monday against the Bears, but that was a function of Chicago's ineptitude more than anything else. That was the main thought from a 17-9 Vikings victory that at least temporarily moved Minnesota into the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff race. The Vikings offensive line gave up pressure all night -- one of Star Tribune beat writer Ben Goessling's three takeaways as he joined the show via a "voicemail" from Chicago. But as Mike Zimmer said, the defense played well and it was a much-needed victory in the big picture. 11:00: Star Tribune Gophers men's basketball beat writer Marcus Fuller joins the show to talk about the surprising 9-1 Gophers, who are garnering some national attention and showing up in some early NCAA tournament projections. 29:00: The Wild lost its fourth consecutive game and the Wolves lost two more players to COVID protocols.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports and a look ahead to Monday Night Football between the Vikings and Bears. *Reusse was trying to watch the Wolves game Friday against the Lakers and was succeeding -- until his ESPN feed, along with the feeds of other YouTube TV subscribers, cut out over a dispute with Disney-owned channels. They returned a couple days later, but the latest streaming fiasco only serves to remind us of the sports TV nightmare that exists now, Reusse said. *At least he will be able to watch the Vikings game Monday, which is on ESPN. But he won't see corner Bashaud Breeland, who was cut over the weekend after a verbal altercation at practice. *Reusse and Rand also touch on the Wolves' four-game winning streak and the increasing rise in COVID cases across sports.

Introduction: There wasn't much to like from the Wild's performance Thursday vs. Buffalo, even if Minnesota was able to salvage one point in a shootout loss. It was the Wild's third consecutive defeat, something that had never happened in the regular season under head coach Dean Evason. And after the game, Evason talked about all the things he didn't like from the performance. 6:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks and some memories of Vikings vs. Bears. Typically when the Vikings have a playoff season they are able to handle Chicago. In a lot of other years, though, Soldier Field has been a nightmare destination. 21:00: The Wolves and Lakers are set to play at Target Center on Friday, but COVID protocols will limit the Lakers' roster. It's another example of the virus returning full force lately.

Introduction: The Gophers signed 18 freshmen and added a transfer to their incoming recruiting class. Hear from head coach P.J. Fleck on his appreciation for the lack of Wednesday surprises -- and what he might be looking to add in the transfer portal. 6:00: Star Tribune Wild beat writer Sarah McLellan joins the show to help break down what has gone right for a team that at one point recently had the best record in the NHL. A balanced roster, the continued excellence of Kirill Kaprizov and the ability to withstand absences are primary reasons. But if the Wild is going to be a true Stanley Cup contender, what else might it seek via trade to bolster the roster? 22:00: Sara Scalia hit nine three-pointers in a win for the Gophers women's basketball team, but that wasn't even the most by a Minnesota player on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards hit 10 threes for the Wolves, setting a record in the process in a win over Denver. 26:00: David Kahn addressed the Stephen Curry draft blunder ... speaking of blunders, Urban Meyer was fired ... and a fond remembrance of former Bemidji State coach Bob Peters.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand takes a look at Todd McShay's mock draft and can't help but notice a theme. McShay has five quarterbacks being chosen in the first round -- four of them in the No. 12 through No. 19 spots where the Vikings are likely to pick in the 2022 draft. If the Vikings miss the playoffs this season and clean house, an offseason trade of Kirk Cousins makes sense -- and it makes even more sense if the Vikings can start over with a QB in the 2022 draft. 6:00: Gophers football beat writer Randy Johnson joins the show for a breakdown of this year's Gophers recruiting class in conjunction with Wednesday's signing day. Also up for discussion: The impact of the transfer portal and expectations for the Gophers next season. 19:00: Rand answers a few questions from listeners, including a big one -- Why has D'Angelo Russell had such an impact for the Wolves on defense this season? 25:00: The Gophers men's basketball team survived sloppy play and improved to 9-1 with a win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.