Looking back on Vikings history, they have stumbled trying to find a franchise quarterback. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. 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.". 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 . What was initially pitched as a competitive rebuild and trying to win on the margins morphed into setting an NFL record for the most one-score wins in a season (11-0) thanks to players who were led to become situational masters at key moments of close games. 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. 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. Kentucky's Will Levis, a likely top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, spoke Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine and -- in under 15 minutes -- presented himself as arguably the most self-assured QB in this year's class. [12] Following his departure, O'Connell found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he sustained during the preseason. INDIANAPOLIS If you walk around to different podiums and listen to NFL coaches speak to the media about their teams offseasons, you are likely to hear a lot about culture. Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. "This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. As we use the process of free agency and the draft to really take a look at how to evolve and fit what we want to do.. 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. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. 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. INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin OConnell met with a small group of beat writers. The 34-year-old has put up good statistics over the years, including 33 TDs and seven interceptions last season, but he's never delivered any sustained postseason success. There also were road losses at Detroit and Green Bay after the calendar flipped to December. [2], O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had a career years in 2021. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, whose size has been a matter of conjecture in the run-up to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, officially measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and 204 pounds on Saturday. Try a week on us. 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. ". 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. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. One thing he knows is that no matter how many As he got in a survey or wins he posted as a first-year coach, that doesnt mean they can do it all again the same way and get the same results. While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. Maybe its not even for any one particular year.. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los A. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. Since the start of 2019, Thielen ranks fifth in the NFL in touchdown receptions (36), trailing only Davante Adams (48), Mike Evans (41), Tyreek Hill (38), and Travis Kelce (37). Is it to that line?' It is something Ive thought a lot about.. INDIANAPOLIS -- Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2022 while averaging 106.4 yards per game. [21] In 2019, under interim head coach Bill Callahan, O'Connell was promoted to offensive coordinator. On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. 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. 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. Spielman hand-picked Ponder to be his quarterback after watching a game against North Carolina and a couple of practices at the Senior Bowl. 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. 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. "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. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. 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. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. But in between 16-point wins against the Packers in Week 1 and Bears in Week 18 were plentiful memorable moments during a wild ride. 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 Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. 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). He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. "I greatly appreciate the Wilf family, Kwesi and the entire Minnesota Vikings organization for providing the opportunity to be their next head coach," said O'Connell. Already Subscribed? "He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. [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). 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. 5. [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. OConnell said he values the way the aforementioned players embraced his hiring last year and appreciates the way they helped bring about an entirely new culture. He was 11-of-21 for 147 yards, and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.[6]. But Kevin O'Connell's comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. O'Connell was asked today if Donatell will be back and didn't . But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. But Adofo-Mensah gave his own review about his starting quarterback. The assessments of inherited players were made a year ago through film study and advanced metrics. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin . Cousins' 4,093 passing yards marked his third-consecutive 4,000-yard passing season, helping him become the 11th quarterback in NFL history to accomplish this feat. The Minnesota Vikings finalized their hiring of head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday, completing a sharp offseason shift in direction by turning over the team to the 36-year-old. The Vikings had several needs coming off a 15-win season in 1998. O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) this season, helped his unit rank second in plays of 50-plus yards (10), fourth in yards per play (5.98) and eighth in offensive touchdowns (51) in 2021. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. View photos of new Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in photos from his time with the Rams. Linebacker Eric Kendricks referred to a fear-based culture in a conference call after the former HC and GM were let go and players acknowledged meeting with ownership in which they asked for improvements in the overall environment. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. 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). They needed more receivers on the field. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Along the way, personal relationships grew. 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.. Teams that typically played with one-high safety against most opponents often utilized two-high safeties against the Vikings. He also held the same position for Washington in 2019 after serving as the team'spassing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. There are some hard conversations sometimes. 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. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. If you tell me Im second-and-5, here we go. 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. By COURTNEY CRONIN. Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have only held their posts for a year, but they deserve the faith of the Vikings community. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. "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. We want to be.". I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. The other was that the Vikings werent in a position to draft a quarterback, picking in the mid-20s for a majority of Greens tenure. 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 year brings a different scenario. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. in the 2012 draft. And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't saying if Ed Donatell will return as defensive coordinator for the 2023 season. And when I think about all that went into it, from a coaching staff standpoint, our players, our leadership of our core leaders and foundation of such a great leadership group that I was able to have in my first year as a head coach in the National Football League, I truly feel very fortunate and blessed," O'Connell added. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center's Indoor Practice Facility, the men sat together at a table on a small riser in the Media Center. For O'Connell to coach Jefferson for a "really long time," the star receiver will need a contract extension. However, there is no mistaking the reality. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. This time of year tends to be a difficult time when youre talking about players futures and how they affect the greater picture of our team, and those conversations are ongoing, he said. When you have the receiver that leads the league in yards and receptions and have three other guys with 60-plus, you feel really strongly about that group, and I still think that theres places to go where we can build upon it even more, OConnell mentioned about Justin Jefferson and his wide receiving corps. Justin Jeffersons superstar turn. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. Its even stronger now. Alec Lewis is a staff writer covering the Minnesota Vikings for The Athletic. O'Connell and the Rams are coming. If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. OConnell is well aware. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. The Vikings officially. The 33-year-old quarterback's $35 million base salary for 2022 became guaranteed last March . [How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? 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). One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. O'Connell compared Cousins to Matthew Stafford, calling each an "elite thrower," via Tomasson (on Twitter ). 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. It's supposed to sting.' But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. 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. Fired up to watch these guys this fall @b_petty14 @DWatford5 @EverettGolson @Connor_Cook03 @tannerlee12 @bharrisqb1 pic.twitter.com/2TNR1YJlHt 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. 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. Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Craig Peters. How do you go forward building it from here? I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.". If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. "Very thankful for him in Year 1 and really looking forward to seeing him growing both as a leader and continued dominance at the receiver position.". Thielen notched 716 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 2022. 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. The Washington Commanders took Cousins in the []. 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. The obvious answer? 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. 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. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. Is it to that standard? 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. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. The wait is over for Minnesota Vikings fans who were a bit . I believe in him as a player.. 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. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. 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. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012, to serve as an emergency back-up in the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller announcing his retirement from the league.

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