Kevin O’Connell’s Contract Reflects His Prowess

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings entered the season with uncertain futures regarding head coach Kevin O’Connell. He deserved a contract extension but had yet to see the franchise put their money up. After trade rumors and an incredible season, the deal got done.

Kevin O’Connell’s Contract Reflects His Prowess

Now, the money looks like it reflects a coach on the rise.

Kevin O'Connell
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell warms up with his players before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Our very own Dustin Baker reported O’Connell’s $ 13 million annual salary and five-year extension. That is a hefty sum for a head coach and easily puts him in the top ten among his peers.

Coaches have no salary cap, and the Wilf family needed to ensure that they compensated their leader. There was never any genuine belief that O’Connell would be sent anywhere else. The Vikings certainly weren’t going to trade him, and opposing franchises could’ve made a bid, but it would have been brushed aside.

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Sep 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Getting the bag was always part of the plan. Of course, O’Connell is comfortable in Minnesota, but he also needed to see the payday. Ultimately, that came to fruition, putting the Vikings in a positive light from now on.

This last season, O’Connell elevated Sam Darnold to heights he had never seen before. The former first-round pick had flamed out in multiple stops, and his new head coach got the best out of him. Multiple offensive weapons certainly didn’t hurt, but the head coach got the job done.

Strange Comment
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell runs off the field after pregame warmups before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.

Extending O’Connell in that light makes all the sense in the world. J.J. McCarthy needs a leader that can do the most for him. Daniel Jones, or some other veteran backup, needs a leader who can help lessen the blow if a starter goes down.

The Super Bowl puts a legacy coach in the spotlight. It also shows off an up-and-coming star. The Vikings have the latter version in O’Connell, and it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the same heights.


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.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, ... More about Ted Schwerzler