Kevin O'Connell is staying in Minnesota.
The Vikings' head coach has reached an agreement with the team on a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
“Kevin is exactly what we believed in when we named him our head coach,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. He is a strong leader who inspires and connects with his players.” “He has helped us establish a culture of continued success. He has set the standards we need as we pursue championships for Vikings fans. I will continue to do so.”
Prior to the deal, O'Connell was scheduled to enter the final year of his contract with Minnesota in 2025, and was subject to surprising trade rumors ahead of the NFL playoffs.
“It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O'Connell said in a team press release. “…Dear Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL. There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you every Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. Excited for the years to come. I am.”
O'Connell, 39, went 34-17 in the regular season in his three years as the Vikings' head coach and made the playoffs twice, but were eliminated in the wild-card round.
This season, the Vikings lost to the Lions on the final day of the regular season, falling short of a first-round bye with a record of 14 wins and 3 losses.
The Vikings lost to the Rams a week later in Minnesota, ending their season with a 27-9 loss.
Minnesota is also working on a new contract with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The next big decision for the Vikings this offseason will be at the quarterback position, whether the team re-signs Sam Darnold or JJ McCarthy, who missed the entire season with a knee injury after the team acquired him. You will have to choose between giving up the job or giving it up. 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
