You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! ", O'Connell said the next step is "a championship standard" and that he wanted to wrap his evaluations and dialogue about the 2022 season the "way it should, with the same type of connection" with players and the "foundational building blocks of what we want to be. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. He grew up in Birmingham, Ala., and has written for Yahoo, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Kansas City Star, among many other places. This time of year tends to be a difficult time when youre talking about players futures and how they affect the greater picture of our team, and those conversations are ongoing, he said. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, whose size has been a matter of conjecture in the run-up to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, officially measured in at 5-foot-10 1/8 and 204 pounds on Saturday. [10], He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.[11]. Some would take this as a sign the Vikings are ready to move on. Right. Sure, it may not be good as a fresh bowl of General Tsaos Chicken, but it beats not having Chinese food at all. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. It's supposed to hurt. O'Connell rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 1914. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. Teams that typically played with one-high safety against most opponents often utilized two-high safeties against the Vikings. One thing he knows is that no matter how many As he got in a survey or wins he posted as a first-year coach, that doesnt mean they can do it all again the same way and get the same results. This website is not directly or indirectly affiliated, associated, or connected in any way to Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League or the National Hockey League. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. O'Connell has an older sister, Kelly, who is an attorney. Those are all questions we got to answer. Theres a lot of different directions you can go, OConnell said, and (each decision) affects another one and another one. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. Youve got to ask yourself the question: Why?. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Kevin William O'Connell (born May 25, 1985), nicknamed "KOC",[1] is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. He isnt on the same tier as Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but is good enough to hold down the position until they can find that player. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team's goals are for the offseason. It's supposed to sting.' 5. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. At the end of the day Wednesday, the Vikings head coach left the building with one of the easier media sessions youll ever run across in the NFL. Kupp's wide receiver Triple Crown in 2021, which he won after leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16), joined him with WR Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers, 1990), WR Sterling Sharpe (Green Bay Packers, 1992) and WR Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers, 2005) as the only players since the 1970 merger to achieve this feat. A former NFL quarterback who was a career backup, O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. As we did on Tuesday with Vikings general manager Kwesi. Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under salary cap By Alec Lewis Mar 1, 2023 14 INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL. O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 237. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Right comes along. With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. O'Connell played quarterback at San Diego State University, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He recently coached Stafford to a Super Bowl win, helping him post a 4-0 record in the postseason and 108.3 passer rating, which trailed only QB Josh Allen and QB Patrick Mahomes. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielen's fate in 2023. This is also a business. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. Adofo-Mensah admitted his elevation to GM brought him more exposure to the human elements than when he was advancing through the research-and-development departments with the 49ers and Browns. - Page 5 . O'Connell compared Cousins to Matthew Stafford, calling each an "elite thrower," via Tomasson (on Twitter ). Ive been very honest about that. 1. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell. O'Connell oversaw the production of three quarterbacks in 2019, specifically rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, Jr. Once Haskins, Jr., became the full-time starter in Week 9, he passed for 1,225 yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions and an 85.5 passer rating. "We are ecstatic to add Kevin as our head coach," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. The riser was lower than the previous stage, but the team they've led for about a year has been elevated from an 8-9 squad to one that won 13 games for the third time within a Vikings season. But in between 16-point wins against the Packers in Week 1 and Bears in Week 18 were plentiful memorable moments during a wild ride. There are times when hes mad and when Im mad. But this regime doesnt seem to be looking for a quarterback, theyre looking for the quarterback. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, and The Doors (the band). The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. And in 2022, Cousins is scheduled to cost the Vikings $45 million on their salary cap. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. Kevin will tease me about that sometimes. Maybe its not even for any one particular year.. At the same time, proud of what they've accomplished this year and look forward to the first day of the offseason program, when we get those guys back in here.". Pelissero noted that Brown, who interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching position, is considered a "rising assistant" and is a candidate to replace O'Connell in Los Angeles. As he reviewed the way defenses matched up against his team, OConnell noticed a trend. Kupp, who was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year at last week's NFL Honors, had one of the best receiving seasons in NFL history, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16), earning AP First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. Aside from the quarterback situation which is like talking about building a house and saying other than the ground it stands on the Vikings will also consider the wants/needs/system of Brian Flores as they look for improvement on defense. In his first season as the Vikings' coach, O'Connell has compiled a 6-1 record and the team has a 3.5-game lead in the NFC North entering Week 9. So, well see what happens.. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. An NFLPA survey showed the Vikings as the best team for players in the league, bringing evidence that the changes they promised worked out, gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. in the 2012 draft. View photos of new Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in photos from his time with the Rams. 4. Thielen will turn 33 this summer and incur a $19.9 million cap hit against the Vikings salary cap. 3. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. I believe in him as a player and was really proud of the way he played this year but we always have to be evaluating, he said. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had a career years in 2021. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. On Tuesday, Adofo-Mensah explained that Cousins camp wants certainty if he is to sign a new deal, while the Vikings seek flexibility. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. Will that happen? On Wednesday, OConnell said hes hoping that their shared experience in 2022 will help both sides satisfy their needs. The coach has made it a priority to educate himself on the particulars of the teams cap constraints. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. This year brings a different scenario. Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. The wait is over for Minnesota Vikings fans who were a bit . No cards were shown when OConnell was asked about Flores and the cornerback position as it pertains to the draft but it would appear that Flores will be looking for players with flexibility, whether thats in terms of position or skill set. One of the last times I spoke with you [after roster reductions to 53], I was up here, and I think someone told me my appearance was a little more dour than it normally is and that was because that was two emotional days of having to tell people no and having to say, 'Your dream is stopped for the day.' O'Connell was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played quarterback at San Diego State University. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Top 10 Justin Jefferson plays | 2022 season, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah compares team building through draft vs. through free agency, trades. "I think we showed a building full of people, players, coaches, staff, ownership group, this guy next to me, would have the ability to be their best when their best is required. O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah have emphasized collaboration throughout their first year together, and the first-time head coach picked up where the first-time GM left off: "As I told our team it's supposed to sting. Stafford set the single-season team record for passing yards (4,886) and tied Kurt Warner from his 1999 MVP season for the most passing touchdowns in a season by a Rams quarterback with 41, while also winning his first playoff game in his 13th season in the NFL. None of that means anything for what we do moving forward if we dont grow and evolve and change in a good capacity, OConnell said. O'Connell led the Vikings to a 134 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings plan on interviewing Rams assistant head coach/running backs coach Thomas Brown for their offensive coordinator position under O'Connell. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time. "One of them said that she had been a long-time Vikings fan and always felt let down, and this team felt different to her," Adofo-Mensah said. Anchored by T Andrew Whitworth, the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, the Rams offensive line only allowed 56 sacks in the two years O'Connell was in Los Angeles, which was good for the seventh-fewest among NFL clubs. Login Here. Quarterbacks are never far from OConnells mind. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. To provide the premier place to go to work and improve both personally and collectively as a team in our league means a lot to us, OConnell said. Sure, there were unsightly losses along the way, including a couple of regular-season defeats to Philadelphia and Dallas teams that each won 12 plus in the regular season and have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. (OConnell is 6-foot-5, so his frame provides a solid comparison.). Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.". Thielen notched 716 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 2022. That ultimately led the Vikings to Cousins. For O'Connell to coach Jefferson for a "really long time," the star receiver will need a contract extension. The Vikings have not gone to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2008-09. EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center's Indoor Practice Facility, the men sat together at a table on a small riser in the Media Center. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. My main goal was just to connect with him and build on a relationship that I thought was strong already. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. INDIANAPOLIS -- Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2022 while averaging 106.4 yards per game. Beyond the Xs and Os, everyone we spoke with throughout this search process spoke highly of Kevin's ability to motivate players, coaches and staff. The obvious answer? O'Connell's NFL coaching career began in 2015; he held various assistant coaching roles on the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams (where he won Super Bowl LVI, as offensive coordinator, in the 20212022 season). There also were road losses at Detroit and Green Bay after the calendar flipped to December. By COURTNEY CRONIN. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. He categorized the current state of rushing in the NFL into three separate strategies: deploying a running quarterback, operating in the run-pass option world, and going the traditional route with run-pass deception from under center. Since O'Connell became an offensive coordinator in 2019, he has coached one Super Bowl MVP (Kupp), two Pro Bowlers (G Brandon Scherff and Kupp), one All-Pro (Kupp) and one PFWA All-Rookie Team member (McLaurin). Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. Anchored by T Andrew Whitworth, the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, the Rams offensive line only allowed 56 sacks in the two years O'Connell was in Los Angeles, which was good for the seventh-fewest among NFL clubs. O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) this season, helped his unit rank second in plays of 50-plus yards (10), fourth in yards per play (5.98) and eighth in offensive touchdowns (51) in 2021. He was also born in Minnesota. [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. But the. Furthermore, the Rams' 1,186 passing yards in the 2021 playoffs were the most in NFL history,surpassing the 2011 New York Giants (1,144).O'Connell helped Kupp (478) and Beckham, Jr., (288) post a combined 766 receiving yards in the playoffs, the most be any wide receiver duo this postseason. Were going to continue to look at whats the best route to go moving forward (with Thielen), OConnell said. Here are five takeaways from the conversation, beginning with OConnells thoughts on the free-agent decisions and potential cuts that will be made in the next couple of weeks. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Looking back on Vikings history, they have stumbled trying to find a franchise quarterback. The idea. Vikings head coach Kevin OConnell provided a bit of clarity on Thielens status at the NFL Combine this week, touting the veterans leadership while hoping to mesh his pricetag with the fit in Minnesotas 2023 WR room. While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. He said it's between a startup and one with an ability to earn, adding "in our business, earning is wins. One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's media day last week at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.
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