Kevin O’Connell Can Follow Andy Reid’s Lead

  |  
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings extended Kevin O’Connell because he is a good coach who would have been a hot commodity. Every season we see a significant amount of turnover across the league. Head coaches are fired at breakneck speeds and teams are constantly looking for the next best option..

Kevin O’Connell Can Follow Andy Reid’s Lead

Unfortunately, a greater need exists than available commodities for most organizations, similar to the quarterback conundrum. Only a limited number of coaches generate significant run in the NFL, and it becomes a revolving door to keep churning out new ones. Kevin O’Connell seems like he could be the next great one.

Kevin O'Connell
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach A. Reid with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Andy Reid has his Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl yet again. They are favored to win their third in a row. That’s truly astounding, and yes, he has Patrick Mahomes, but there’s a greater reality at play. It’s Reid who knows which buttons to press and what situations to put his talent in.

O’Connell isn’t likely to develop J.J. McCarthy into the second coming of Patrick Mahomes, but he doesn’t have to either. This past season, Vikings fans got to see what Sam Darnold looked like under the eye of O’Connell. It resulted in a 14-win season and an assumed Coach of the Year award.

Dec 16, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota head coach K. O’Connell calls a play in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer-USA TODAY Sports.

Even if McCarthy doesn’t step in and immediately churn out a 14-win replica in year one, it should be expected that O’Connell will guide his team and the youngster to a positive result. The reality is that leadership matters at the position, and coaching is much more than what takes place on the whiteboard.

The Vikings would never let O’Connell get away from the organization because he has the makings of a generational leader.

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

It’s disappointing that the franchise has yet to experience a championship, but if there’s someone who can take them there, it’s definitely the man in charge now.

6 Running Backs for Vikings to Target in Free Agency
Also Read:
6 Running Backs for Vikings to Target in Free Agency

Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.