There is no ambiguity regarding the Minnesota Vikings leadership moving forward. Although rumors of a trade swirled – and it certainly irked some – Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere.
The favorite to win this season’s NFL Coach of the Year Award will be staying in Minnesota. O’Connell has created a culture that helped facilitate a shockingly impressive season in 2024. The Wilf family certainly isn’t letting him get away now.
Kevin O’Connell sticking with the Minnesota Vikings
After just three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O’Connell has become one of the most well-respected head coaches in the sport. His work with Sam Darnold this season made for an impressive play at the NFC’s top seed. Now he’s here to stay.
More years in Minnesota: Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell have reached agreement on a multi-year contract extension, per sources. He was scheduled to be entering the last year of his contract, but no longer. pic.twitter.com/XLSz1XQ8w8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2025
Financial numbers aren’t always revealed for coaches, but O’Connell’s previous figure was not amongst the highest in the game. This new deal isn’t likely to top Andy Reid’s $20 million, but he should land somewhere around $10-million annually. That would include him among the sport’s top 10.
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As a head coach, O’Connell has compiled a 34-17 record while taking two separate Minnesota Vikings teams to the playoffs. He helped lead a 13-win team during his first season, and bested that in 2024.
Your head coach, Kevin O'Connell, on agreeing to terms on a contract extension. pic.twitter.com/Y2mC3FzjoN
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 21, 2025
Regarded highly as a quarterback guru, O’Connell will be a steadying presence for presumed starter J.J. McCarthy next season. The Vikings are hoping to not miss a beat when they transition to their former first round draft pick.
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It was always going to be imperative that the Wilf’s commit to O’Connell financially. After moving on from Mike Zimmer and resetting the culture in the building, O’Connell’s desirability had grown throughout the league.
Vikings working on O’Connell’s boss, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, too
There was a level of uncertainty as to whether O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were a package deal. If the Vikings attempted to go another direction at the general manager position, that person might have wanted to bring in their own head coach.
With the on-field leader back, the front office should see the same continuity.
Conversations also are underway on an extension for #Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Minnesota is 34-17 since they took over in 2022 and the plan is to keep the braintrust together. https://t.co/VLdlFedjih
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 21, 2025
There’s no reason to break apart something that’s working. Although Adofo-Mensah’s draft history leaves something to be desired, he has done an exceptional job identifying free agents.
Minnesota has a boatload of talent that could be out the door this offseason. It will be on Adofo-Mensah to allocate the ample salary cap space to fill holes throughout the roster.
Related: Looks Like Vikings DC Brian Flores is Out of Head Coaching Opportunities
The Vikings could look a bit different next year, but it seems as though the group leading them will remain the same. Expect the general manager to be locked down in short order as well.