Amidst swirling speculation about his coaching future, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell met with team ownership this week to reaffirm his commitment to the franchise. Despite reports of interest from other teams, O’Connell made it clear that he wants to remain with the Vikings long-term and sign a contract extension.
The meeting comes on the heels of a 14-3 season that saw the Vikings return to the playoffs for the second time in three years under O’Connell’s leadership. After going 13-4 in his debut 2022 campaign and 7-10 last season, this year served as a “prove-it” test for the 37-year-old coach – one that he passed with flying colors.
O’Connell: “This is where I want to be”
When asked about his desire for an extension, O’Connell did not mince words:
“I do. I do. I’ve had great dialogue with our ownership this week and reflection as the season came to an end. Anything beyond that, I would prefer to kind of keep those discussions internal.”
– Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
O’Connell went on to express his love for the Vikings organization and the support he’s received from the Wilf family ownership group. He made it clear that Minnesota is where he wants to build his legacy as a head coach.
Contract Talks on the Horizon
O’Connell’s current deal, signed when he was hired in 2022, runs through the 2025 season. After declining to offer extensions last offseason, Vikings ownership now appears ready to lock up their coach for the long haul after an impressive 2024 campaign:
- 14-3 record and NFC North title
- 34-17 overall as Vikings head coach
- 2 playoff appearances in 3 seasons
With that level of success, O’Connell has positioned himself for a significant pay raise over the initial four-year deal he signed in 2022. Keeping the innovative offensive mind in Minnesota will be a top priority for the Wilfs this offseason.
Putting Trade Rumors to Rest
O’Connell’s meeting with ownership also served to quash trade rumors that surfaced last week. With several teams in need of a head coach, reports indicated that franchises were inquiring about O’Connell’s availability via trade.
Sources told ESPN that the Vikings had zero interest in trading O’Connell and that the team saw him as their long-term leader. Those sentiments were echoed loud and clear by O’Connell himself in Thursday’s press conference.
Alignment with Adofo-Mensah
In addition to the support from ownership, O’Connell appears to have a strong working relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The two have been in lockstep since being hired together in 2022.
“[The Wilfs] expressed to me their appreciation for Kevin and I’s leadership. They’re really supportive of us.”
– Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Vikings General Manager
Like O’Connell, Adofo-Mensah’s original four-year contract runs through 2025. With both the head coach and GM on the same page and producing results, the Vikings appear well positioned for sustainable success.
The Bottom Line
Kevin O’Connell has established himself as one of the bright young coaches in the NFL and a perfect fit for the Vikings franchise. By reaffirming his long-term commitment to Minnesota, he has positioned himself for a lucrative extension while giving the Vikings much-needed stability at the game’s most important leadership position.
With O’Connell at the helm and a core of talented young players, the Vikings will enter the 2025 season as strong contenders to build on their 2024 success. The future is bright in Minnesota with Kevin O’Connell leading the charge.
O’Connell went on to express his love for the Vikings organization and the support he’s received from the Wilf family ownership group. He made it clear that Minnesota is where he wants to build his legacy as a head coach.
Contract Talks on the Horizon
O’Connell’s current deal, signed when he was hired in 2022, runs through the 2025 season. After declining to offer extensions last offseason, Vikings ownership now appears ready to lock up their coach for the long haul after an impressive 2024 campaign:
- 14-3 record and NFC North title
- 34-17 overall as Vikings head coach
- 2 playoff appearances in 3 seasons
With that level of success, O’Connell has positioned himself for a significant pay raise over the initial four-year deal he signed in 2022. Keeping the innovative offensive mind in Minnesota will be a top priority for the Wilfs this offseason.
Putting Trade Rumors to Rest
O’Connell’s meeting with ownership also served to quash trade rumors that surfaced last week. With several teams in need of a head coach, reports indicated that franchises were inquiring about O’Connell’s availability via trade.
Sources told ESPN that the Vikings had zero interest in trading O’Connell and that the team saw him as their long-term leader. Those sentiments were echoed loud and clear by O’Connell himself in Thursday’s press conference.
Alignment with Adofo-Mensah
In addition to the support from ownership, O’Connell appears to have a strong working relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The two have been in lockstep since being hired together in 2022.
“[The Wilfs] expressed to me their appreciation for Kevin and I’s leadership. They’re really supportive of us.”
– Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Vikings General Manager
Like O’Connell, Adofo-Mensah’s original four-year contract runs through 2025. With both the head coach and GM on the same page and producing results, the Vikings appear well positioned for sustainable success.
The Bottom Line
Kevin O’Connell has established himself as one of the bright young coaches in the NFL and a perfect fit for the Vikings franchise. By reaffirming his long-term commitment to Minnesota, he has positioned himself for a lucrative extension while giving the Vikings much-needed stability at the game’s most important leadership position.
With O’Connell at the helm and a core of talented young players, the Vikings will enter the 2025 season as strong contenders to build on their 2024 success. The future is bright in Minnesota with Kevin O’Connell leading the charge.
