A Raise for Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell is Imminent, and It’ll Reportedly be Hefty…

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

The Minnesota Vikings needed some good fortune the past few seasons, and they have created it in Kevin O’Connell. When the Wilf family decided to replace Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer, there was a need to take the franchise in a different direction. O’Connell is the breath of fresh air that was needed, and his reward is coming.

Minnesota Vikings will keep Kevin O’Connell, and it’ll cost them

Kevin O’Connell is just 39 years old. He spent three seasons as an offensive coordinator (two with Los Angeles, one with Washington) before reaching the top. In the three seasons leading Minnesota, he has been the epitome of a difference maker, and there’s no reason to let him get away now. Local insider Charley Walters sees a contract extension coming, and it’s going to be sizable.

“It’s probably still too early to offer Vikings QB Sam Darnold a contract extension now. The same for coach Kevin O’Connell, although it seems certain he’ll eventually receive a deal that could nearly double his current salary, estimated at $5 million a year. O’Connell, 39, is signed through 2025.”

Charley Walters on Kevin O’Connell (Pioneer Press)

Regardless of what anyone thinks, it seems unlikely that Minnesota would spend big coin on Sam Darnold’s deserved next contract. That’s exactly the reason that Daniel Jones joined the organization. On the flip side, there’s just no way that Minnesota can afford to let O’Connell go elsewhere, and the check may as well be blank to keep him.

Among his peers, a raise to $10 million for O’Connell would place him 10th in the league. That checks in just behind Lions Dan Campbell and Bills Sean McDermott. That is also $1 million more than Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. The salary would rank second-highest in the division. The Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur makes $6 million currently.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars
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Over three seasons with Minnesota, O’Connell has led the Vikings to a 29-16 record. Despite coming into the year with low expectations from national pundits, the Vikings have quickly made them look silly. Ten wins are on the table Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, and they most certainly are a playoff team.

Related: Vikings Future QB1 JJ McCarthy Gives Update on His Injury Recovery

The Vikings still have multiple significant games left in front of them. O’Connell has done well to prepare his team on a weekly basis, but he will need to continue the high level of production down the stretch if Minnesota is going to be taken seriously in the playoffs. O’Connell has put quarterback Sam Darnold in a position to make noise, and the former first round pick is enjoying the best season of his career.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Can Pretty Much Clinch a Playoff Spot vs Cardinals

For a coach to be as good as O’Connell has been right out of the gate is beyond impressive. That’s what Minnesota has hit on though, and the former New England Patriots quarterback should see a well-deserved payday for his efforts.

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