Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will remain with the club for the foreseeable future after reaching an agreement on a multi-year extension, the team announced Tuesday.
O’Connell, 39, is poised to remain a fixture on the Vikings sidelines following the conclusion of his third season at the helm. Minnesota logged its second winning season in three years under O’Connell in 2024, finishing 14-3 and one game shy of the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach — an innovative play caller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings owner and team president Mark Wilf said in a statement released by the team. “He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
While O’Connell’s time in Minnesota has been largely successful, the coach figures to still face questions about his and the Vikings’ ability to win a Super Bowl, particularly after the end of this season.
After rolling past most of the competition, the Vikings, led by a resurgent Sam Darnold, dropped to the NFC’s No. 5 seed after losing to the Detroit Lions, 31-9, in Week 18 with the No. 1 seed on the line. The club then followed that embarrassing loss with another in the wild-card round against the Los Angeles Rams.
Tuesday’s news gives O’Connell and the Vikings a semblance of stability ahead of a pivotal offseason, where the coach and the front office will have to decide on Darnold’s future as one of the NFL’s top available free agents with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
(Photo: Daniel Bartel / Imagn Images)
