Just Who Is This New Vikings HC?
It was announced by NFL insiders that Kevin O’Connell is expected to be the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. This was a turn of events as the consensus on Wednesday suggested Jim Harbaughwouldo be the head coach.
Beat Reporters indicated that he was saying his goodbyes to the Michigan staff before departing to Minnesota, where he interviewed at TCO for over nine hours on Wednesday.
However, Adam Schefter reported that after the interview, Harbaugh called Michigan and informed them he would be returning for the 2022 season. Within minutes of this announcement, reports surfaced that the Vikings were expected to hire Kevin O’Connell as the head coach. Hiring O’Connell, a McVay disciple, makes a lot of sense. He is a respected X’s and O’s wiz kid. He is the type of person that Adofo-Mensah and ownership wanted — a respected individual who would bring leadership and collaboration to the organization. O’Connell will fit this role well.
Kevin O’Connell’s Background
The New England Patriots drafted Kevin O’Connell in 2008 in the third round. However, he spent most of his time as a player bouncing around from team to team. He went on to play for several teams in a backup and practice squad role including the Jets, Lions, Dolphins, and Chargers. Although, the Chargers released him from the team in 2012. After being released from the Chargers, he took time off and entered the coaching circle in 2015. His coaching experience:
2015 – Cleveland Browns QB coach
2016 – 49ers special projects
2017 – Washington QB coach
2018 – Washington QB/passing game coordinator
2019 – Washington Offensive Coordinator
2020 to Present – Rams Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Scheme
There is a lot that we can learn about what scheme O’Connell will bring to the Vikings by looking at the Rams offense. In 2021, the LA Rams ran 11 personnel 85% of the time compared to the Vikings who only ran 11 personnel 47% of the time. Out of 11 personnel, the Rams ran the ball 37% and threw it 63% of the time compared to the Vikings who ran the ball 27% and threw it 73%. Assuming O’Connell brings this similar style, we should see a less predictable Vikings offense in 2022.
If the Vikings run 11 personnel this frequently, expect to see a lot more Jefferson, Thielen, Osborn, and Smith Jr. on the field at the same time. This will appeal to the people who were begging to have the ball thrown down the field to Jefferson.
Staff and Roster
The biggest question mark for O’Connell is his experience in hiring staff and building a roster. With O’Connell being a first-time head coach, it’s difficult to know what he is looking for in coaches and players. However, It is likely that he will target an experienced defensive coordinator. One name to watch is Vic Fangio, who the Broncos recently fired. His name was floated around as a potential defensive coordinator while Harbaugh was interviewing for the head coaching position. Look for him to be on the Vikings’ radar.
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The Vikings have massive holes on the roster because of poor roster moves over the last couple of years. The front office will need to address the defensive at all three levels. However, the defense is not the only concern for the Vikings who have a question mark at the quarterback position. Will the team keep Kirk Cousins on the roster or search for a trade partner? The Vikings ownership believes they can be contenders in 2022 and O’Connell has a history with Cousins. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone if Kirk gets an extension.
If O’Connell and the Vikings extend Cousins, their top priority should be fixing the offensive line. The offensive line is one area that Rick Spielman never got right and getting right in 2022 is a must.
Vikings Territory Also Read: Is Kirk Cousins Comfortable in the Kevin O’Connell Offense?
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