Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere.
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a multi-year contract extension with O’Connell on Tuesday afternoon, the team announced. While specifics of the deal aren’t yet known, it is expected to keep him in Minneapolis for the foreseeable future.
“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach — an innovative play caller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he 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 get done.
O’Connell was set to enter the final year of his contract with the Vikings this fall. He’s compiled a 34-17 record and reached the playoffs twice in his three seasons as the Vikings’ head coach. The team went 14-3 this past season and was in contention for the top seed in the NFC, but Minnesota fell to the Detroit Lions in its regular-season finale and then lost its opening-round playoff game to the Los Angeles Rams.
Though the Vikings stumbled to the finish, O’Connell undoubtedly 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 ahead of the 2022 campaign after a two-year run 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 allow me to perform this job 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 get back to work with all of them as we continue to build upon the high standard we’ve set and the positive environment we’ve created.
“To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL. There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you each Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. I’m thrilled for the years ahead.”
O’Connell will now attempt to lead the Vikings back into the postseason next fall through one of, if not the best, divisions in the league. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2019 campaign and will face a question at quarterback with rookie J.J. McCarthy 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 for the future.
