Vikings Kevin O’Connell Has “It” Says HOF Head Coach

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Dec 19, 2024

Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings — Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

No one expected the Minnesota Vikings to be this good because everyone underestimated how much of an impact Kevin O’Connell has. The head coach has been a steadying force for a team playing great football. That is the key to all of the “why” or “how” questions that surround the franchise.

High praise for Minnesota Vikings Kevin O’Connell

Good coaches become great because they are willing to absorb information. Kevin O’Connell saw what it took to win a Super Bowl with Sean McVay. He spent a year around Bud Grant. He also leaned into Hall of Famer Bill Cowher, and the former Steelers head coach continues to speak glowingly of him.

“A lot of times, you see coordinators who get into the head coaching job, and it can be overwhelming. I thought, just talking with Kevin, he had the big picture in mind. He could see it… Kevin is not overwhelmed by anything. He can adapt and adjust. And he’s always got a backup plan in mind. He’s very confident in who he is, and very confident in his decision-making. And I feel like this team takes on that personality… the Vikings have one of the best leaders in the National Football League.”
Bill Cowher on Kevin O’Connell (The Athletic)

Cowher has taken a special interest in O’Connell because of how special he believes that the coach is. The two stay in contact, and it’s the absorbing of communication that continues to benefit O’Connell. As much as he has built a blueprint in his likeness, that is how he runs the team as well.

RB Aaron Jones was asked.. "What's his [Kevin O'Connell] secret?"

His answer… it's why the team is where they are right now.
📽️ @Vikings pic.twitter.com/LSsy1eW22X
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) December 19, 2024

“He challenges you, but not in a way where you feel like he’s calling me out. He might challenge the offense and it’s not in a way where it feels like he’s calling you out. He makes you want to go out there and perform that much better. He sees it in you. Pretty much, he’s encouraging you.”
Aaron Jones on Kevin O’Connell’s leadership (Vikings)

That style is something that Cowher was able to possess and provide his players as well. It’s something that can translate into wins on the field. It’s why the Vikings have 12 victories through 14 games and are staring at a number one seed possibility.

Sometimes the ultimate goal doesn’t come together as soon or as quickly as you’d like. Cowher certainly sees O’Connell capable of achieving it though. If nothing else, this year has already proven to expect the unexpected.