Kevin O’Connell will lead the Minnesota Vikings for the next several years.
Kevin O’Connell Reacts to the Huge News
After a couple of weeks of ridiculous trade rumors, the Vikings locked down their man for the long haul, extending O’Connell beyond its original contractual end date, which was 2025.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “More years in Minnesota: Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell have reached an agreement on a multi-year contract extension, per sources. He was scheduled to be entering the last year of his contract, but no longer. Now that their head coach extension is done, the Vikings also working an extension for their GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.”
The Vikings have manufactured the NFL’s sixth-best win percentage since O’Connell accepted the top job in 2022. Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell took over for general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer after the 2021 season. The two have accounted for regular season bliss while still waiting on an elusive playoff win.
In the immediacy of the extension, O’Connell sounded gleeful about the arrangement. He said via Vikings.com, “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.”
The Vikings ownership has hinted for months that O’Connell’s extension was a no-brainer and repeatedly mentioned its ardor for him.
“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,” O’Connell added.
“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.”
In the same statement, owner Mark Wilf explained, “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.”
Fans’ reaction on social media universally praised the extension, as O’Connell solidified his reputation in the last two seasons by winning ball games with Joshua Dobbs and Sam Darnold at quarterback after injuries arose.
Wilf added, “There is no question this team is on the right trajectory under Kevin’s continued leadership. His authenticity, passion and positive energy, along with his impressive understanding of the game, has helped lead to the success we’ve experienced over the past three years and will be foundational blocks on which to build moving forward.”
The next step for the Vikings and O’Connell is free agency, which is seven weeks away.
Adofo-Mensah’s extension could arrive at any minute.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.