[29]. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. 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. Predictability, then, provides comfort to defenses. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. Its not always easy to maintain that, but I will never change from that because I just believe thats the way youre supposed to operate.. What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. We're still feeling that here, but I will say that hurt, that sting, that will drive us. But in Kevin O'Connell's case on Wednesday, he was able to beam about the Vikings' culture after an NFL Players Association survey showed proof that he made good on the cultural promises he. Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported earlier in the week that he would not anticipate the type of one-year, fully-guaranteed extensions that the 35-year-old has signed in the past. 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. Aside from the quarterback situation which is like talking about building a house and saying other than the ground it stands on the Vikings will also consider the wants/needs/system of Brian Flores as they look for improvement on defense. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. OConnell knows safety Harrison Smith has done much of the same. Asked about the Vikings long-term future at that position, OConnell said he surveys the landscape of the position each year out of habit. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. It's supposed to hurt. 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 continued, Adam is one of those leaders that I speak of. The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year winner, Jefferson dominated opponents, generating 10 games over the 100-yard mark in O'Connell's first season in Minnesota. Following his All-Pro wideout's 1,809-yard, 128-catch, eight-touchdown campaign, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell believes Jefferson can soar even higher. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. That will motivate us to lead this organization to the place we want to go. 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.. He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. in the 2012 draft. "He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. For what its worth, SIs Albert Breer said on The Rich Eisen Show that many teams believe that the best quarterback prospects are still in college. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. 4. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, ZaDarius Smith and others. I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. "I feel like that foundation's in place. Meetings with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have helped OConnell in this regard. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. The coach has made it a priority to educate himself on the particulars of the teams cap constraints. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. How long does he meet that threshold? Here are five things to know. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. 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. The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. 5 Things to Know About Head Coach Kevin O'Connell - Minnesota Vikings [20], On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired as the Washington Redskins' quarterbacks coach, working under head coach Jay Gruden. Set to earn just $2.399 million in 2023, with a potential fifth-year team option in 2024, Jefferson is due a massive pay increase in line with his value. O'Connell was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played quarterback at San Diego State University. Along the way, personal relationships grew. 5. The rushing attack. Sources: O'Connell finalizing contract with Vikings - KUSA.com He also writes for Bring Me The News and The Viking Age and hosts The Homer Horn Podcast. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. One element of his teams play that must improve? 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.. A necessary condition is having a starter-level quarterback, Adofo-Mensah began. Just scratching the surface with #18 pic.twitter.com/MpWlPV7MoN, And then, ultimately, OConnell said, youve got to ask: How do we use that information to our advantage moving forward?. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.". They were together in Washington and grew their connection this season as the veteran QB led eight game-winning drives, won the division for the first time since arriving in Minnesota and put together one of his best games in the playoffs vs. the Giants. The 2020 Rams offense featured the 10th-ranked rushing attack, posting 126.1 yards per game on the ground, behind two 600-plus rushing seasons from RB Cam Akers and RB Darrell Henderson. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . Theres a lot of different directions you can go, OConnell said, and (each decision) affects another one and another one. If the Vikings parted ways with Thielen via outright release or trade, theyd face three plausible options for 2023s WR2: For now, OConnell views Thielen as an unabashed team leader, but the front office must determine the fair compensation for his cap hit. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. 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. To better myself and make sure I'm doing everything that I can in this role that I feel so lucky to have and also so prepared to have. They worked with players they inherited, quickly assessing who was set to return and how to try to add pieces they deemed missing through a strategic approach to free agency and proceeding through the 2022 NFL Draft. If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . The Wilfs and the resources they give us to bring in the people, like [exectuive director of player health and performance] Tyler Williams, OConnell said. Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under salary cap By Alec Lewis Mar 1, 2023 14 INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. 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. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports). In July 2017, Kirk Cousins became the first quarterback to play under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. [4] He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, where he led the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. Vikings Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have a long to-do list He had been placed on the injured reserve list. By COURTNEY CRONIN. He noted that hes always going to evaluate all the quarterbacks out of habit and that he finds himself often looking at evaluations from years past, even when someone is coming available who came out in the draft a long time ago. [How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? The process was complicated by the lack of free agency and offseason movement due to the NFLs player lockout. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. He categorized the current state of rushing in the NFL into three separate strategies: deploying a running quarterback, operating in the run-pass option world, and going the traditional route with run-pass deception from under center. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. Kevin O'Connell signed a 1 year, - contract with the San Diego Chargers, including an average annual salary of -. 1 in other areas before hiring OConnell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, particularly with a different attitude toward players and increased focus on sports science in the training room. O'Connell, 36, was a third-round pick . All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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.. O'Connell has an older sister, Kelly, who is an attorney. O'Connell was asked today if Donatell will be back and didn't . If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. I believe in him as a player.. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) [12] Following his departure, O'Connell found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he sustained during the preseason. So, well see what happens.. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. But after a year on the bench, Culpepper took the Vikings into the next decade before suffering a multi-ligament knee injury in 2005. 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). Who is Leah O'Connell, Wife of the Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O KSTPs Darren Wolfson reported that the Vikings met with Florida manI meanquarterback Anthony Richardson at the scouting combine and OConnell is keen on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis despite his Orlovskian food takes. A former NFL quarterback who was a career backup, O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. O'Connell's father, Bill, was a longtime FBI agent, and his mother, Suzanne, is a teacher. With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. Already Subscribed? My main goal was just to connect with him and build on a relationship that I thought was strong already. Thielen will turn 33 this summer and incur a $19.9 million cap hit against the Vikings salary cap. The personnel department continued to be on the lookout for players who became available after their release by other teams, and the coaching staff usually helped integrate the acquired player quickly, whether it was Za'Darius Smith in Week 1 or T.J. Hockenson in Week 9. O'Connell is the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, so he can't officially become the Vikings' new head coach until after the Super Bowl. The Vikings officially. "He understands what is critical to leading a team that wins at the highest level, and he has an ability to simplify the complex, which will help us in problem-solving in all football areas. He takes it very seriously how much people and young kids look up to him. But Kevin O'Connell's comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. Jefferson's 4,825 career yards are the most in NFL history for a receiver in the first three years of a career. On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Vikings head coach Kevin OConnell provided a bit of clarity on Thielens status at the NFL Combine this week, touting the veterans leadership while hoping to mesh his pricetag with the fit in Minnesotas 2023 WR room. 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 survey of more than 1,300 players that looked at numerous aspects of an organization from facilities to treatment of families to training staff gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. 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. [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. [27][28] O'Connell's Vikings hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, some two weeks after reaching an agreement with the club to replace Mike Zimmer, can finally wear some purple. Before the Super Bowl, Thielen said onESPNsFirst Take, I want to retire a Viking. 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. Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. He was 11-of-21 for 147 yards, and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.[6]. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43, "Adam Thielen on KOC's lack of screaming: 'It's kind of almost awkward', "SDSU Aztecs Biography for Kevin O'Connell", "Offensive Evolution Under Long Has Come to Pass for the Aztecs", "Kevin O'Connell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile", "Kevin OConnell, San Diego State, QB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football", "Lions have seven picks in upcoming draft", "Jets lose confidence in rookie running back Joe McKnight", "Jets release backup QB Mark Brunell, still waiting on Nnamdi Asomugha", "Jets awarded four players off waivers, including QB Kevin O'Connell; cut Aaron Maybin", "Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in", "Kevin O'Connell hired to coach QBs as Browns round out offensive staff", "49ers adding O'Connell to offensive staff", "Kevin O'Connell will coach quarterbacks in Washington", "Redskins Promote Kevin O'Connell To Offensive Coordinator; Matt Cavanaugh Moves To Senior Offensive Assistant", "Kevin O'Connell amicably departs as Redskins hire Scott Turner as OC", "2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports", "Los Angeles Rams come back to win Super Bowl LVI 2320 in front of hometown crowd", "Minnesota Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell 10th Head Coach In Franchise History", "Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach", "Packers vs. Vikings - Box Score - September 11, 2020", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kevin_O%27Connell_(American_football)&oldid=1141660186, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. O'Connell, a former backup NFL quarterback who spent time with five different teams, knows the business from a player's side and coach's side. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. At the same time, proud of what they've accomplished this year and look forward to the first day of the offseason program, when we get those guys back in here.". Adofo-Mensah was hired on Jan. 26, 2022 and O'Connell was named head coach on Feb. 16 after the Rams beat the Bengals in the Super Bowl. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. - Page 5 . 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. Kevin O'Connell believes Vikings are really good and have an 'elite' QB The Minnesota Vikings have committed to quarterback Kirk Cousins for the next two seasons, banking on further improvement under new head coach Kevin O'Connell. 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. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. 4 takeaways from Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's combine press conference Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. He later reiterated his own self reflection following the season, saying there were a lot of phases looking at everything from how game-management and play-calling tie together to how they handle all the aspects of players schedules to the scheme. On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. Ive spent a lot of time with Rob [Brzezinski] and Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah], and well continue to do that in anticipation of being at a certain place by the league year like we need to be and then, How do we go forward building it from there?. How OConnell and the front office maneuver through these personnel decisions to counteract the way defenses have played them could well become a key story in 2023. But it was part of the process to find a long-term solution. [22] After the 201920 regular season, O'Connell was not retained by the incoming new head coach, Ron Rivera. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. The Vikings head coach compared all of the moving parts to puzzle pieces but its more like a choose-your-own-adventure book because each choice with Player X impacts Player Y and the combination of all of the decisions takes you to a different endpoint. Kevin O'Connell declines to say if Ed Donatell will return as Vikings Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielen's fate in 2023. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities., "I feel better than I ever have about our chances moving forward." NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. [25][26], On February 16, 2022, just three days after his Super Bowl LVI victory, O'Connell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th head coach in their franchise history. The obvious answer? Adofo-Mensah had to explain how the Vikings, a team in salary cap hell, were going to shed salary while building off the teams first 13-win season since 2017. Under O'Connell, Rams quarterbacks have thrown for 1,517 passing yards (third in NFL), 11 touchdowns (fourth in NFL) and a 106.4 passer rating in playoff games (second in NFL). And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. Sep 9 2010 Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ) Aug 31 2010 Waived by New York (NYJ) Sep 6 2009 Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick. O'Connell led the Vikings to a 134 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history. O'Connell worked on special projects with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, where he overlapped with Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. The numbers bear out OConnells observation. Vikings Trade Proposal Flips Cousins For 49ers Trey Lance | Heavy.com [2], O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. But theres a foundation of care., OConnell said the conversations with Cousins are ongoing., Its not like theres some secret thing going on, OConnell said. Craig Peters. Even as other quarterbacks such as Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell were there in the latest rounds of the draft, the Vikings didnt pull the trigger. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. ", O'Connell said the next step is "a championship standard" and that he wanted to wrap his evaluations and dialogue about the 2022 season the "way it should, with the same type of connection" with players and the "foundational building blocks of what we want to be. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. ", "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. ", "I don't want to be the Vikings GM without this guy on our team, so it's a priority," Adofo-Mensah said. Were going to continue to look at whats the best route to go moving forward (with Thielen), OConnell said. The Washington Commanders took Cousins in the []. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.". 4 takeaways from Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's combine press conference "But as we reflect, I think it's important to understand, be honest with our evaluations, understand taking a look at all the little things no detail is too small in how we're trying to improve as a team, improve as a coaching staff, and most importantly, improve myself. In football, as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. 3 Minnesota Vikings offseason moves with Kevin O'Connell - Sportsnaut (OConnell is 6-foot-5, so his frame provides a solid comparison.). Before his NFL career ended in 2012, O'Connell spent time with the Miami Dolphins, a second-stint with the Jets and the San Diego Chargers. If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. "Justin just had an incredible year, but what I liked about it the most was just the impactful plays at critical moments he made for our team, among a lot of our players," O'Connell said.
