Details of Kevin O’Connell’s Contract Emerge: Report
The Minnesota Vikings extended head coach Kevin O’Connell for the long haul last week after a couple of weeks’ worth of bizarre speculation that other teams could inquire about his trade price and that “tension” perhaps existed between O’Connell and the Vikings brass.
Details of Kevin O’Connell’s Contract Emerge: Report
All that is formally in the rearview, and O’Connell will coach the Vikings well into the future.
According to two sources, VikingsTerritory has learned that the deal is worth $13 million per season and extends O’Connell’s stay through the end of the 2029 campaign — so five more years in total.
O’Connell had one year left on his contract entering the 2025 offseason, leaving many to wonder when the deal would finalize. The offseason didn’t grow older than two weeks. Minnesota got its man.
The Vikings have fired up the NFL’s sixth-best win percentage since O’Connell accepted the top job in 2022. General manager 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.
Right after the extension last week, O’Connell sounded joyous 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 had hinted for months that O’Connell’s extension was a no-brainer and repeatedly mentioned its commitment to 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.”
O’Connell evidently parlayed the goodwill into a deal for the next five seasons. He ain’t leaving.
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.
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