Home Sports Vikings reach multi-year contract extension with coach Kevin O’Connell

Vikings reach multi-year contract extension with coach Kevin O’Connell

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Vikings reach multi-year contract extension with coach Kevin O'Connell

Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere.

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a new multi-year contract extension with O’Connell on Tuesday afternoon, the team announced. While details of the deal are not yet known, it is expected to keep him in Minneapolis for the foreseeable future.

“Kevin is exactly who we thought he was when we named him our head coach: an innovator who calls the plays, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. a statement. “He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success and will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”

The team is also working on an extension for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s unclear when that deal will close.

O’Connell was set to enter the final year of his contract with the Vikings this fall. He has compiled a 34-17 record and made the playoffs twice in his three seasons as head coach of the Vikings. The team went 14-3 last season and was in contention for first place in the NFC, but fell to the Detroit Lions in their regular-season finale and then lost in their first-round playoff game to Los Angeles. Rams.

Although they stumbled to the end, O’Connell certainly put himself in contention to win the league’s Coach of the Year award. This marks his first head coaching job in the league. He was hired to replace Mike Zimmer heading into the 2022 season after two years as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.

“Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in what we are building together. I also want to thank Leah and our incredible children; their love and support allows me to perform this work at a high level,” O’Connell said in a statement. “And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our coaches, players and support staff. I can’t wait to work with all of them again as we continue to build on the high standard we have set and the positive environment we have created.

“To 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. I am excited for the years to come.”

O’Connell will now try to lead the Vikings back to the postseason next fall through one of, if not the, best divisions in the league. The team also hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2019 campaign, and will face a question at quarterback as rookie JJ McCarthy is expected to return from injury after Sam Darnold’s resurgence.

But, with O’Connell now solidified and Adofo-Mensah seemingly close behind him, the Vikings are in a great position to make it happen.

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