The Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell have agreed on a multi-year contract extension, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The news was announced shortly after the team confirmed the pact.
O’Connell’s deal will keep him with the Vikings beyond the 2025 season, providing stability for the franchise. The coaching staff’s tenure has been marked by success, including a 34-17 overall record with two playoff appearances.
However, O’Connell and the Vikings face another pressing issue: quarterback Sam Darnold’s impending free agency. As an impending free agent, Darnold played well under O’Connell before experiencing a slump in the final two games of last season. J.J. McCarthy, 2024 first-round pick, missed his rookie season due to a preseason knee injury.
Despite these uncertainties, O’Connell remains confident in his ability to guide the team through the quarterback situation. He has successfully coached with four different starting quarterbacks during his three-year tenure, including Kirk Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, and Jaren Hall.
O’Connell expressed gratitude towards the Wilf family for their support, as well as his family and the team’s coaches, players, and staff. With O’Connell on board, the Vikings aim to rebuild from a successful but disappointing regular season that resulted in an early postseason exit.
Source: https://www.nfl.com/news/head-coach-kevin-o-connell-agrees-to-multiyear-contract-extension-with-vikings