"Vikings Extend Multiyear Contract for Head Coach Kevin O'Connell"
The Minnesota Vikings have reached an agreement with head coach Kevin O\'Connell on a multiyear contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday.
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. O\'Connell, who is 39 years old, was set to enter the final year of his original contract with the Vikings, who hired him before the 2022 season.
Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf stated, \"Kevin is exactly the type of coach we knew he would be when we hired him -- an innovative play-caller, an excellent communicator, and a strong leader who connects with his players. He has helped establish a winning culture and will continue to set the standard as we strive for a championship for our fans.\"
According to multiple reports, the team is also in talks to extend the contract of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
O\'Connell has an overall record of 34-17, including a 14-3 record this season, which is the second-highest number of wins in franchise history. However, the Vikings fell short of the top seed in the conference and the NFC North title, with the Detroit Lions claiming both. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams with a score of 27-9.
O\'Connell expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue coaching the Vikings, stating, \"It is an absolute honor to hold this prestigious position. I am grateful to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in our team and what we are building together. I also want to thank my family, coaches, players, and support staff. I am excited to continue working with them as we strive for excellence and create a positive environment. To the best fans in the NFL, the Vikings fans, it is a joy to lead our team in front of you every Sunday and experience the incredible home-field advantage you create. I am looking forward to the years ahead.\"
In his first year as head coach, O\'Connell led the Vikings to a 13-4 record, followed by a 7-10 record in 2023 and a 14-3 record this season. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in both 2022 and this season.
O\'Connell is the only coach in Vikings history to have multiple 13-win seasons and is the fastest to reach 30 career wins in franchise history, achieving this milestone in just 46 games.
Before joining the Vikings, O\'Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams (2020-2021) and served as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team in 2019 after two seasons as quarterbacks coach. He began his coaching career as the QBs coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2015 and was an offensive assistant for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
