The Minnesota Vikings secured its head coach for the future amid a strong start to his career.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell signed a multiyear contract extension with the team on Tuesday as his career trends in a historically strong direction.
O’Connell is one of three NFL head coaches to start off his career with two or more 13-win seasons, or better, in his first three years. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert
won 14 games twice in his first three seasons between 1989 and 1991. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LeFleur
won 13 games in each of his first three years between 2019 and 2021.
O’Connell won
13 games in 2022 during his first year as Vikings head coach, and he won 14 games in 2024 as the team bounced back from a seven-win season in 2023. The Vikings have a young and talented team that challenged for the NFC’s No. 1 seed but
fell short in the wild-card round against the Los Angeles Rams.
“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 strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said
in a statement on Tuesday. “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 has championship experience from his playing days and coaching tenure. He spent his first NFL season
with the New England Patriots in 2008 during the dynasty led by former quarterback Tom Brady and former head coach Bill Belichick. O’Connell’s previous coaching stop before the Vikings included a Super Bowl win in 2021 with the Rams, where he served as offensive coordinator under head coach Sean McVay.
O’Connell took his winning pedigree to Minnesota, where he became the first head coach in franchise history to amass multiple 13-win seasons. That’s among
a successful list of coaches such as Bud Grant and Dennis Green.
“There is no question this team is on the right trajectory under Kevin’s continued leadership,” Vikings co-owner Zygi Wilf said
in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”
Those foundational blocks start with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who had 103 catches for
1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. One of the game’s top wideouts, Jefferson has two All-Pro team honors, four Pro Bowls, and five 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years.
Minnesota also has other young, talented skill players, such as wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson. On defense, the Vikings have young, strong players amid the team’s
top three tackles leaders: linebacker Blake Cashman (112), safety Josh Metellus (103), and safety Camryn Bynum (96).
The Vikings face decisions at quarterback this off-season, but that’s after a career year from Sam Darnold, with rookie J.J. McCarthy, a No. 10 pick, waiting in the wings. Minnesota also has No. 6 draft pick Daniel Jones on the roster and who could become a free agent, as the case for Darnold.
“It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said
in a statement on Tuesday. “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. 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.”
