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. ", "We've shown that we have a culture and an ability to do those things at a really high level," Adofo-Mensah 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. Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. The Vikings had several needs coming off a 15-win season in 1998. OConnell continued, Adam is one of those leaders that I speak of. Kevin O'Connell had some interesting things to say about the direction the Minnesota Vikings want to go as they look ahead to the 2023 NFL season. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008, in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three. Since then, there have been postseason appearances after the 2012 (loss in Wild Card), 2015 (loss in Wild Card), 2017 (loss in NFC Championship), 2019 (loss in Divisional) and 2022 (loss in Wild Card) seasons. To see the rest of the Kevin O'Connell's contract breakdowns, & gain access to all of Spotrac's Premium tools, sign up today. 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. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. 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. When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.
A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. But even if he didnt injure his knee at Winter Park, its fair to wonder if he would have ever become the long-term franchise quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O'Connell's culture is now quantifiable Vikings officially name Kevin O'Connell their new head coach Sure, there were unsightly losses along the way, including a couple of regular-season defeats to Philadelphia and Dallas teams that each won 12 plus in the regular season and have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. As we did on Tuesday with Vikings general manager Kwesi. So have expectations going forward, until "someday" can become "the day.". How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. 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. Looking back on Vikings history, they have stumbled trying to find a franchise quarterback. Asked about the Vikings long-term future at that position, OConnell said he surveys the landscape of the position each year out of habit. O'Connell also played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and San Diego Chargers before retiring in 2012. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. During the 2018 season, O'Connell was tasked with getting three different quarterbacks (Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez) up to speed following a devastating injury to starting QB Alex Smith. 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.
Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Expects Kirk Cousins Back In 2022 O'Connell and the Rams are coming. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams the past two seasons. It's supposed to sting.' Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielens fate in 2023. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. [23], On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as offensive coordinator. None of that means anything for what we do moving forward if we dont grow and evolve and change in a good capacity, OConnell said. 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. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. There are some hard conversations sometimes. 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. 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. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. An NFLPA survey showed the Vikings as the best team for players in the league, bringing evidence that the changes they promised worked out, gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. In his first season as the Vikings' coach, O'Connell has compiled a 6-1 record and the team has a 3.5-game lead in the NFC North entering Week 9. 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. None of that is to say OConnell is not evaluating quarterbacks in this years draft. "I feel like that foundation's in place. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "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. 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. The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. I know this guy next to me and myself will lead and push and drive, because we don't want to feel this way, this early, ever again. O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. He takes it very seriously how much people and young kids look up to him.
OConnell is well aware. 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.. The Vikings announced their agreement in principle with Cousins on a one-year contract extension Sunday the latest high-leverage deal that Cousins has successfully bet on himself with and the clearest sign yet that the Vikings aren . "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. 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. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. We laugh.
Vikings Kevin O'Connell: Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine presser "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. If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. Theres a reason I feel so strongly about Kirk. As a four-year captain at San Diego State, O'Connell finished his career after appearing in 40 games while ranking third in completions (664), fourth in passing yards (7,689) and fifth in passing touchdowns (46) in school history. Will that happen? [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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 (!!!) I'm sure a lot of fans will be going through that right now, and that hurts to hear, I can't lie, but I understand where that's coming from. 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. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.". 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. 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.
Kevin O'Connell believes Justin Jefferson has 'just scratched the Justin Jeffersons superstar turn. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. 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. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielen's fate in 2023.
Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022 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.. 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. It's supposed to hurt. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. The Vikings have not gone to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2008-09. What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. From Week 14 through the wild-card loss to the Giants, the Vikings faced 190 snaps against defenses that played with the middle of the field open, by far the highest in the league during that period. Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. 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. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. View images from the Vikings locker room at TCO Performance Center on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers at the end of the 2022-23 season. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. 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. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. [22] After the 201920 regular season, O'Connell was not retained by the incoming new head coach, Ron Rivera. O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah have emphasized collaboration throughout their first year together, and the first-time head coach picked up where the first-time GM left off: "As I told our team it's supposed to sting. The only way theyre going to improve is through hard work and understanding that accountability factor to what their goals are, OConnell explained. In addition to helping QB Jared Goff to his fourth consecutive of at least 3,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2020, O'Connell prepared QB John Wolford for a win-and-in game against the Cardinals in Week 17, helping him pass for 231 yards and rush for 56 more in his NFL debut, while leading the Rams to a 18-7 victory and a playoff berth. 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. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. Conversely, when the Vikings ran for zero or negative yards on first down, something they did more than any other team in the league aside from the Jaguars, they would then be fighting uphill. The Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2017, which was good enough for the NFC's third seed, but were defeated by the New York Giants in the Wild Card round by a final score of 3124. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. 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. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. In addition to impacting the culture within the building through an emphasis on building connectivity across the roster, the Vikings installed O'Connell's offense with Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips, a defensive system led by Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell and changed their special teams under first-year coordinator Matt Daniels. in the 2012 draft. 3. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. I believe in him as a player and was really proud of the way he played this year but we always have to be evaluating, he said. Hes the epitome of a hometown hero, universally loved, and the type of player who should retire with the Vikings. In the early 1990s, Dennis Green used a revolving quarterback carousel that featured Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Jeff George. He's McVay's second coordinator in two years to move on, joiningformer Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who is now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. "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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. They needed more receivers on the field.
All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. Sometimes how you have to reinvent yourself week in and week out, OConnell said. It meets that first threshold, and thats a question that a lot of people cant answer with a yes. So we have got to make sure that we treat that in the proper importance it is..
One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. There are a few fundamental things that will influence decisions, starting with whether Cousins signs an extension. That will motivate us to lead this organization to the place we want to go. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari.
Vikings finalize hire of champion Rams OC Kevin O'Connell However, there is no mistaking the reality. [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). [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball.