Vikings Extend Coach Kevin O’Connell’s Contract After Stellar 14-Win Season
O’Connell signs multiyear extension, marking a successful coaching tenure and the team's continued pursuit of success.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Following a remarkable 14-3 regular season that exceeded expectations, the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell have agreed to a multiyear contract extension. The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes one year before the expiration of O'Connell's current deal.
The Vikings did not disclose specific terms of the extension, but it reflects the team's confidence in O’Connell's leadership. In his three seasons as head coach, O’Connell has posted an impressive 34-17 regular-season record and has led the team to the playoffs twice, though the Vikings have yet to secure a postseason win under his watch.
The 2024 season was particularly notable for the career-best performance of quarterback Sam Darnold, who made history in his debut with Minnesota. Darnold became the first starting quarterback in NFL history to win 14 games in his first season with a team, according to league records dating back to 1950. This performance came after the Vikings parted ways with longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins and selected J.J. McCarthy in the draft as a future successor.
Darnold, who had previously struggled with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, set career highs in almost every statistical category, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His breakthrough season was a testament to O'Connell's ability to develop quarterbacks and create a strong offensive system.
“I’m truly honored to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in a statement. “This role is something I never take for granted, and I’m excited about the future of this team.”
Under O'Connell’s guidance, the Vikings reached a remarkable milestone. He became the first coach in franchise history to secure multiple seasons with 13 or more wins and the third coach in NFL history to do so within their first three seasons, joining Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers and George Seifert of the San Francisco 49ers.
“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach — an innovative play caller, a great communicator, and a strong leader,” said Vikings owner Mark Wilf. “He has fostered a culture that sets us up for long-term success, and we’re confident he will continue to lead us toward a championship.”
The Vikings hired O’Connell in 2022, following Mike Zimmer’s tenure, which saw the team fall short in the playoffs. O’Connell’s previous experience as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams in 2021 made him an appealing choice. Despite some challenges in his first few seasons, including playoff setbacks and a loss to the Rams in the 2024 wild-card round, O’Connell has proven adept at guiding the Vikings through difficult situations.
This season, the Vikings showed resilience with a 26-9 record in games decided by eight points or fewer. Even though they were swept by NFC North champions Detroit Lions for the second straight year, O'Connell's ability to keep the team competitive in close games reflects his coaching strength.
Much of O'Connell’s success has come from his work with the quarterback position, an area where he is particularly in tune. Despite using four starting quarterbacks during the 2023 season due to an injury to Cousins, the Vikings finished fifth in the NFL in passing yards. The subsequent rise of Darnold in 2024 further solidified O'Connell’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer.
“There’s no doubt this team is on the right path under Kevin’s leadership,” said Zygi Wilf, Vikings owner and chairman. “His passion, authenticity, and deep understanding of the game have been key to our success. These qualities will continue to serve as the foundation for our future.”
With the extension, O’Connell will continue to guide the Vikings as they aim to build on their progress and take the next step toward a championship.