One Year Around Bud Grant Shaped Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell

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Kevin O'Connell
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are rolling to start 2024 and plenty of their success can be attributed to coaching. Kevin O’Connell is the early favorite for coach of the year. O’Connell is incredibly well-regarded across the league. Bud Grant’s impact on shaping his career is not lost on him.

Minnesota Vikings Kevin O’Connell gives Bud Grant his flowers

Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant is beyond a legend in Minnesota. The Vikings wore his name as a jersey patch last season following his death in March. His legacy will continue to live on throughout the franchise. For current head coach Kevin O’Connell, his impact continues to shape him today. Talking on the Rich Eisen Show, O’Connell noted his feelings for Grant after Eisen asked about the cap he was wearing.

“This was a hat that got made last year for Bud and it’s one of my favorites. I’ve got a picture of him up in my office. Nobody impacted me more in this role than the year I got to spend with him in 2022. I still go back to things he taught me and talked about. As sharp as he was, but most importantly willing to spend some time with a slappy like me. It’s never going to be lost on me. I think he was as impactful as anybody I’ve been around in this league.”

Kevin O’Connell on Bud Grant (Rich Eisen Show)

O’Connell sums up the feelings many Minnesotans have for Bud Grant. The 158 victories in 18 years as a head coach for the Vikings should stand the test of time. He took four different teams to the Super Bowl, and his records are still stuff of legend.

There will be more coaches over the years for the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere right now though. The hope would be that he can have the same impact as a coach he felt so fondly for.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Should Just Extend Kevin O’Connell Now

It has been evident this season just how much coaching matters. The growth for Sam Darnold under O’Connell’s leadership has been amazing. The ability to understand and push your talent to places they have never previously been are attributes of a good head coach. As much as O’Connell feels strong for Bud Grant, you can bet the current locker room holds him in a similar regard.

Related: Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell Drawing Up Blitzes for Brian Flores?

The Vikings will look to keep up their winning ways on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers as they travel to Lambeau Field.

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