It has been a busy two weeks for the HR departments of the Green Bay Packers‘ NFC North rivals. One day after Chicago hired Lions coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach, the Minnesota Vikings have inked Kevin O’Connell to a contract extension, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Over three seasons, O’Connell has led the team to a 34-17 record, including 14-3 in 2024 and 13-4 in the Vikings’ division-winning 2022 campaign, his first as head coach. In the playoffs, however, Minnesota has lost in the Wild Card Round both times. This season saw an embarrassing 31-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams.
Apparently, the front office remains confident that O’Connell is the man for the job.
Kevin O’Connell Has Started His Tenure Strong for the Minnesota Vikings
Owner and team president Mark Wilf issued a glowing statement following the news:
“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach – an innovative play caller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players. He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
Even with a disappointing 2023 season, doomed by a season-ending achilles injury to then-QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota’s record during O’Connell’s tenure has produced the best winning percentage of any three-year period since 2015-2017 under Mike Zimmer (32-16, also 66.7%). The franchise hasn’t had a better three-season stretch since 1998-2000 (36-12).
Along with the Lions, the Vikings make the second NFC North team without a Super Bowl ring, though they have been to four. Their last appearance came in 1976. The last time they reached the conference championship, in 2017, the Eagles destroyed them 38-7.
“Pursuing a championship” should be high on the list of Wilf’s priorities for his starved fanbase.
McConnell Will Have His Hands Full Battling the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in the NFC North
The details aren’t out yet, but for O’Connell, the contract likely means big money and job security for the coming seasons, with his old deal set to expire after 2025. As beloved as former coach Mike Zimmer was for much of his time there, O’Connell seems to popular among fans and players. He acknowledged Wilf’s statement with one of his own.
“Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in what we are building together. I also want to thank Leah and our incredible children; their love and support allow me to perform this job at a high level. And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our coaches, players and support staff. I can’t wait to get back to work with all of them as we continue to build upon the high standard we’ve set and the positive environment we’ve created.
“To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL. There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you each Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. I’m thrilled for the years ahead.”
The Vikings find themselves in a competitive division featuring the Lions (15-2 last season) and Packers (11-6). They also face uncertainty at quarterback. Free agent Sam Darnold will likely want a sizable contract, in both years and salary, but after his performance against the Rams Minnesota might not risk that kind of commitment.
In that game, Darnold’s tendency to hold onto the ball too long, and his vulnerability to pressure, manifested in ugly fashion as he was sacked 9 times. While the offensive line is partly to blame, some of those big losses would have been avoided with a throwaway or checkdown. Throwing a pick and missing open receivers, including an easy touchdown, didn’t help his cause.
Depending on the options the team gives O’Connell by training camp, he may pivot to J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota’s first 2024 first round pick who sat out all of last year after tearing his meniscus in the pre-season.
The extension indicates that the Wilfs are committed to O’Connell for at least the near future, giving him time to figure things out if the team takes a step back in 2025. With O’Connell at the helm, “the years ahead” are promising for Vikings fans.
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