Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . The more I can learn about details and particulars of our current situation, previous situations and what it looks like moving forward, OConnell said, the more my conversations can not only come from an accurate place of where we are but where we hope to get to.. It comes down to efficiency, he said. 4. The direct work together began in April when Minnesota could start its offseason workout program and was followed by Organized Team Activities before a summer break that was followed by training camp, he preseason, regular season and postseason. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. The coach has made it a priority to educate himself on the particulars of the teams cap constraints. Ive been very honest about that. "That's what led to a historic number of one-score games and so that's probably been the hardest job is adjusting to those things. 5. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. O'Connell coached QB Kirk Cousins in 2017, helping him throw for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, and record a career-high 342 rushing yards and a league-leading four game-winning drives. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. Therefore, with free agency 11 days away, the Vikings and Thielen are firmly in the see what happens phase of the offseason, described by Thielen. If I demand our team to improve in certain areas, OConnell said, Ive got to do the things we need to do as a staff.. Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. He isnt on the same tier as Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but is good enough to hold down the position until they can find that player. [20], On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired as the Washington Redskins' quarterbacks coach, working under head coach Jay Gruden. A former NFL quarterback who was a career backup, O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Stafford set the single-season team record for passing yards (4,886) and tied Kurt Warner from his 1999 MVP season for the most passing touchdowns in a season with 41, while also winning his first playoff game in his 13th season in the NFL. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. O'Connell oversaw the production of three quarterbacks in 2019, specifically rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, Jr. Once Haskins, Jr., became the full-time starter in Week 9, he passed for 1,225 yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions and an 85.5 passer rating. Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since O'Connell became an offensive coordinator in 2019, he has coached one Super Bowl MVP (Kupp), two Pro Bowlers (G Brandon Scherff and Kupp), one All-Pro (Kupp) and one PFWA All-Rookie Team member (McLaurin). Spielman tried his hand at it, scouting Carson Strong and praising Malik Willis response to an overrated chant one year ago. He said it's between a startup and one with an ability to earn, adding "in our business, earning is wins. Right. ", "As I spent time with Kevin during the interview process, it became immediately clear he will be a great partner in building this football team for long-term success," said Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings plan on interviewing Rams assistant head coach/running backs coach Thomas Brown for their offensive coordinator position under O'Connell. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. . Craig Peters. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. If OConnells staff likes a prospect like USCs Caleb Williams or North Carolinas Drake Maye, they may be better served to wait especially with an aging team that will face a harder schedule in 2023. To provide the premier place to go to work and improve both personally and collectively as a team in our league means a lot to us, OConnell said. In 2019, O'Connell helped guide rookie WR Terry McLaurin to 58 receptions, 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards and touchdowns among rookies in franchise history. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. He also writes for Bring Me The News and The Viking Age and hosts The Homer Horn Podcast. But its hard not to wonder what would have happened if he looked ahead, saw Andrew Luck on the horizon and just rode the corpse of Donovan McNabb to the finish line to select Luck, Russell Wilson, or Cousins (!!!) Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. Right comes along. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Were going to continue to take a look at whats the best route to go moving forward in that room, as are all the other rooms. Brad Childress urged Minnesota to draft Tarvaris Jackson upon his arrival in the 2006, and then recruited Brett Favre as an act of desperation to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022. During the 2021 season, O'Connell's lone season with Stafford, the signal caller threw for the third-most passing yards (4,886) and second-most touchdowns (41) in the NFL, all while achieving his career-best 102.9 passer rating (in seasons with more than eight starts), the sixth-best in the NFL. A necessary condition is having a starter-level quarterback, Adofo-Mensah began. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Similarly to his GM one day earlier, the Vikings head coach couldnt make a strong statement about what the future would hold at QB. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had career years in 2021. O'Connell played quarterback at San Diego State University, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. As we did on Tuesday with Vikings general manager Kwesi. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't saying if Ed Donatell will return as defensive coordinator for the 2023 season. The offensive coordinator from the 2022 Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, Kevin O'Connell, is finalizing his head coaching contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Try a week on us. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. That was somebody that was as important as anybody for me to bring to this organization I didnt know there was going to be a survey, it didnt matter to me, but I knew what that would look like with Tyler, Kwesi and myself and how we build things.. How long does he meet that threshold? Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. Adofo-Mensah admitted his elevation to GM brought him more exposure to the human elements than when he was advancing through the research-and-development departments with the 49ers and Browns. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team's goals are for the offseason. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. "I think we showed a building full of people, players, coaches, staff, ownership group, this guy next to me, would have the ability to be their best when their best is required. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Also, by disabling these cookies you will also disable banner ads served by Google Adsense on this website.. For more information about these items, view our complete privacy policy.Read More. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. Wanting to make those guys feel like their coach cares about them, both the person and the player, and their future, its real, OConnell said. Kupp, who was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year at last week's NFL Honors, had one of the best receiving seasons in NFL history, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16), earning AP First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. With their limited salary cap . It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielen's fate in 2023. Top Salaries Free Agents Extensions Tools Best Values Transactions Chargers Kevin O'Connell Embed This Chargers, QB Age: 37-208d Exp: Years Drafted: Round 3 (#94 overall), 2008 College: San Diego State Agent (s): - More Chargers - Contract Details Transactions Statistics Transactions Sep 4 2011 Claimed off waivers by New York (NYJ) Prior to his one year in San Francisco, O'Connell was the quarterbacks coach in Cleveland during the 2015 season, assisting QB Josh McCown to becoming the only player in team history to throw for 300 or more passing yards in three consecutive games. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. The Vikings officially. We're still feeling that here, but I will say that hurt, that sting, that will drive us. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II is the early leader for fastest player at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine after posting a time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Friday. The more I can educate myself, learning about the details and particulars of our current situation, our previous situation, and obviously what it looks like moving forward, the more my conversations can be not only from an accurate place of where we are at this moment but where we hope to get to, OConnell said. And just in all of our dialogue Monday with our players, getting a chance to meet with each and every one of them, they understand that, and they're motivated for that. Partnered with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group|Powered by, Signed a 1 year contract with Miami (MIA), Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ), Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick, Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE), Drafted by New England (NE): Round 3 (#94 overall). To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". Follow us for breaking news and latest updates. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 2. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. in the 2012 draft. ". If not, they have the luxury of having Cousins to buy more time. While the survey is the ultimate feather in OConnells cap in terms of retaining players on long-term contracts and signing free agents, hes aware that not everyone is going to be able to return and the team doesn't have oodles of cap space to spend this offseason. You do hope it was a perfect world where you can have everybody and have everybody finish their careers where they should and feel great about it, but its just so hard to do and still build for the future the way the rules are set up, OConnell said. New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he is "excited to coach" quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2022 and is "anticipating" him being a part of the team's plans. His teammates voted him as a captain for what he means not only to our organization but the Twin Cities. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. O'Connell is the latest in Sean McVay's coaching tree to land a head coaching job, following the likes of Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers and Zac Taylor with the Bengals. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. This year brings a different scenario. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. Were going to continue to look at whats the best route to go moving forward (with Thielen), OConnell said. The riser was lower than the previous stage, but the team they've led for about a year has been elevated from an 8-9 squad to one that won 13 games for the third time within a Vikings season. "When you involve people, it can make the job a lot tougher, but I also think the people aspect is what culture is and that's important," Adofo-Mensah added. When Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stepped up to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine, he had several questions to answer about the Minnesota Vikings future. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports). Furthermore, the Rams' 1,186 passing yards in the 2021 playoffs were the most in NFL history,surpassing the 2011 New York Giants (1,144).O'Connell helped Kupp (478) and Beckham, Jr., (288) post a combined 766 receiving yards in the playoffs, the most be any wide receiver duo this postseason. [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. Certainly the facilities would have gotten an A+ last year but its hard to imagine they would have ranked No. Understanding the goals of culture and the goals of building up through our leadership and setting a foundation and platform for every individual in this building to feel like they can thrive and grow and eventually reach their truest, highest potential. But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. . Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. Adofo-Mensah also stated that there are a lot of other factors to consider what type of quarterback the Vikings could be looking for. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Kevin William O'Connell (born May 25, 1985), nicknamed " KOC ", [1] is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). OConnell also referenced fair compensation for his players at the NFL Combine, perhaps a nod to Thielens current contract and how it fits within Minnesotas free-agent navigability. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. They could have done what the Pittsburgh Steelers did by drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round last year, but they knew he wasnt the guy. This website is not directly or indirectly affiliated, associated, or connected in any way to Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League or the National Hockey League. O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on August 30, 2009, two days after a preseason game in which starting quarterback Tom Brady was injured, and, in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions and only threw 3 completions on 10 attempts. If you tell me Im second-and-5, here we go. $36.25 million against its salary . 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had a career years in 2021. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. Kevin O'Connell Offensive Scheme Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, Kevin O'Connell has been chosen to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings officially after the Super Bowl on February 13, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. At the end of the day Wednesday, the Vikings head coach left the building with one of the easier media sessions youll ever run across in the NFL. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season!