[How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? Prior to his one year in San Francisco, O'Connell was the quarterbacks coach in Cleveland during the 2015 season, assisting QB Josh McCown to becoming the only player in team history to throw for 300 or more passing yards in three consecutive games. He noted that hes always going to evaluate all the quarterbacks out of habit and that he finds himself often looking at evaluations from years past, even when someone is coming available who came out in the draft a long time ago. O'Connell is the latest in Sean McVay's coaching tree to land a head coaching job, following the likes of Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers and Zac Taylor with the Bengals. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, OConnell said. We haven't shown our ability to come in year-in, year-out and do those things.
Kevin O'Connell - Minnesota Vikings Having been on the visitors' sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium and experiencing that environment as an opposing coach, I am excited to now have the support of these passionate Vikings fans. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. What was initially pitched as a competitive rebuild and trying to win on the margins morphed into setting an NFL record for the most one-score wins in a season (11-0) thanks to players who were led to become situational masters at key moments of close games. 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. Linebacker Eric Kendricks referred to a fear-based culture in a conference call after the former HC and GM were let go and players acknowledged meeting with ownership in which they asked for improvements in the overall environment. It comes down to efficiency, he said. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the futures of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. Also, by disabling these cookies you will also disable banner ads served by Google Adsense on this website.. For more information about these items, view our complete privacy policy.Read More. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. This organization saw a shift in how it was being defended from previous years to this year, OConnell said. The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year winner, Jefferson dominated opponents, generating 10 games over the 100-yard mark in O'Connell's first season in Minnesota. Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. However, there is no mistaking the reality. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site.
Kevin William O'Connell Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net worth [23], On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as offensive coordinator. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have only held their posts for a year, but they deserve the faith of the Vikings community. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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.
Kevin O'Connell believes Vikings are really good and have an 'elite' QB Vikings officially hire Rams OC Kevin O'Connell as new head coach - NFL.com He played one season for the Patriots behind QB Matt Cassel following a season-ending injury to QB Tom Brady. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. The wait is over for Minnesota Vikings fans who were a bit . The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. They worked with players they inherited, quickly assessing who was set to return and how to try to add pieces they deemed missing through a strategic approach to free agency and proceeding through the 2022 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, ZaDarius Smith and others. In addition to helping QB Jared Goff to his fourth consecutive of at least 3,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2020, O'Connell prepared QB John Wolford for a win-and-in game against the Cardinals in Week 17, helping him pass for 231 yards and rush for 56 more in his NFL debut, while leading the Rams to a 18-7 victory and a playoff berth. Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Part of their jobs during the comprehensive evaluation process will be setting aside those personal relationships and not letting them interfere with the process of building the 2023 Vikings to have the best chance at a championship and be within the constraints of the NFL's salary cap. Wanting to make those guys feel like their coach cares about them, both the person and the player, and their future, its real, OConnell said. If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. With their limited salary cap . Youve got to ask yourself the question: Why?. In terms of the things that were different in 2022, the most noticeable were the approach to camp and preseason workloads, managing injuries and how players who were recovering from injuries were talked about publicly and the buy-in to quarterback Kirk Cousins. [But you] sit in exit meetings with players, and it becomes personal at that point," Adofo-Mensah said. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. Thielen notched 716 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in 2022. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. That will motivate us to lead this organization to the place we want to go. But even if he didnt injure his knee at Winter Park, its fair to wonder if he would have ever become the long-term franchise quarterback. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had career years in 2021. 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. Will that happen? Use of any marks, trademarks, or logos on this website shall not constitute a sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. The rushing attack. As a player, O'Connell was drafted in the third round (94th pick) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots out of San Diego State. "But as we reflect, I think it's important to understand, be honest with our evaluations, understand taking a look at all the little things no detail is too small in how we're trying to improve as a team, improve as a coaching staff, and most importantly, improve myself. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams the past two seasons. [2], O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. "That's what led to a historic number of one-score games and so that's probably been the hardest job is adjusting to those things. 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. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates. O'Connell coached QB Kirk Cousins in 2017, helping him throw for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, and record a career-high 342 rushing yards and a league-leading four game-winning drives. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019.
One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said.
Sources: O'Connell finalizing contract with Vikings - KUSA.com Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Theres a reason I feel so strongly about Kirk. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. So how will he balance the desire to maximize the benefits of the culture, keep the players who helped him implement it and improve on last season while dealing with the facts of life in a salary cap league? Adofo-Mensah had to explain how the Vikings, a team in salary cap hell, were going to shed salary while building off the team's first 13-win season since 2017. .
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah & Kevin O'Connell Begin 2023 Vikings Standard 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. Ive spent a lot of time with Rob [Brzezinski] and Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah], and well continue to do that in anticipation of being at a certain place by the league year like we need to be and then, How do we go forward building it from there?. OConnell knows safety Harrison Smith has done much of the same. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. Kevin will tease me about that sometimes. So, well see what happens.. 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. During the 2009 preseason, O'Connell was claimed by the Detroit Lions and was then later traded to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick. If the Vikings parted ways with Thielen via outright release or trade, theyd face three plausible options for 2023s WR2: For now, OConnell views Thielen as an unabashed team leader, but the front office must determine the fair compensation for his cap hit. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. 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. The process was complicated by the lack of free agency and offseason movement due to the NFLs player lockout. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008, in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three. It meets that first threshold, and thats a question that a lot of people cant answer with a yes. So we have got to make sure that we treat that in the proper importance it is.. Cousins is attached to a fully guaranteed $35MM base salary. 4. 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. 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. Kevin O'Connell Offensive Scheme Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, Kevin O'Connell has been chosen to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings officially after the Super Bowl on February 13, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He and Adofo-Mensah greet each prospect when they enter the room both to establish their culture of care and provide other Vikings staffers in the room a glimpse at the players size. While the survey is the ultimate feather in OConnells cap in terms of retaining players on long-term contracts and signing free agents, hes aware that not everyone is going to be able to return and the team doesn't have oodles of cap space to spend this offseason. But its hard not to wonder what would have happened if he looked ahead, saw Andrew Luck on the horizon and just rode the corpse of Donovan McNabb to the finish line to select Luck, Russell Wilson, or Cousins (!!!) 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. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielens fate in 2023.
He called conversations ongoing about Cousinss future. EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin . Kupp's 145 receptions and 1,947 receiving yards both ranked as the second-highest single-season totals in NFL history, trailing only Michael Thomas's 149 receptions in 2019 and Calvin Johnson's 1,964 receiving yards in 2012.
Kevin O'Connell Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries 4 takeaways from Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's combine press conference Here are five things to know. [12] Following his departure, O'Connell found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he sustained during the preseason. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. It's supposed to hurt. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. 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. All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com. 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. Scouting Combine live updates Top 150 free agents Beat writer . [25][26], On February 16, 2022, just three days after his Super Bowl LVI victory, O'Connell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th head coach in their franchise history. [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. "We have to make sure we do it in an order that we can do it in given all the other decisions we have to make.". Spielman hand-picked Ponder to be his quarterback after watching a game against North Carolina and a couple of practices at the Senior Bowl. "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions.
Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in Conversely, when the Vikings ran for zero or negative yards on first down, something they did more than any other team in the league aside from the Jaguars, they would then be fighting uphill. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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. What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. O'Connell has an older sister, Kelly, who is an attorney. 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. Minnesota Vikings new head coach Kevin O'Connell takes over a club that missed the postseason the past two seasons with losing records and hasn't won the NFC North since 2017. And its even stronger now, OConnell said. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.". O'Connell's father, Bill, was a longtime FBI agent, and his mother, Suzanne, is a teacher. Ive been very honest about that. "As crazy as this sounds, leading the league in yards and receptions, I think he and I have just scratched the surface of where we want to go as an offense, particularly with him as our premier receiver," O'Connell said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.".
Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under 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. Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. Even as other quarterbacks such as Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell were there in the latest rounds of the draft, the Vikings didnt pull the trigger. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. My main goal was to connect with (Cousins) and build on a relationship, OConnell said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell fielded questions from the media on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The 34-year-old has put up good statistics over the years, including 33 TDs and seven interceptions last season, but he's never delivered any sustained postseason success.
Armando Salguero: Kevin O'Connell Believes Vikings Are Really - OutKick Behind The Scenes of Kevin O'Connell's Media Day at The Combine Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in Photos, Kevin OConnell Brings Energy, Innovation as Vikings New Head Coach, 5 Things to Know About New Vikings Head Coach Kevin OConnell. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. There are a few fundamental things that will influence decisions, starting with whether Cousins signs an extension. He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. He was also born in Minnesota. Hes the epitome of a hometown hero, universally loved, and the type of player who should retire with the Vikings. A former NFL quarterback who was a career backup, O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Kevin William O'Connell, nicknamed "KOC", is an American former player and a football coach who is the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. Those are things we got to answer. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. The Minnesota Vikings finalized their hiring of head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday, completing a sharp offseason shift in direction by turning over the team to the 36-year-old. The more I can learn about details and particulars of our current situation, previous situations and what it looks like moving forward, OConnell said, the more my conversations can not only come from an accurate place of where we are but where we hope to get to.. Schad covers the Minnesota Vikings for Zone Coverage. 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. Partnered with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group|Powered by, Signed a 1 year contract with Miami (MIA), Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ), Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick, Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE), Drafted by New England (NE): Round 3 (#94 overall). There are some hard conversations sometimes. His team won 13 games and the NFLPA just said his teams culture was the best in the league. 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). All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Adofo-Mensah also stated that there are a lot of other factors to consider what type of quarterback the Vikings could be looking for. 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. "One of my favorite players I've ever coached, I've told him that," O'Connell said of Jefferson. That, more than anything, is what OConnell wants to eliminate. But this regime doesnt seem to be looking for a quarterback, theyre looking for the quarterback.
New Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell sees 'very talented roster' in Certainly the facilities would have gotten an A+ last year but its hard to imagine they would have ranked No. OConnell respects the way Patrick Peterson, soon to be an unrestricted free agent, set a standard for young contributors in the secondary. The idea. They were together in Washington and grew their connection this season as the veteran QB led eight game-winning drives, won the division for the first time since arriving in Minnesota and put together one of his best games in the playoffs vs. the Giants. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! "It's so easy from my background to sit in front of a spreadsheet and make decisions and talk about things. Spielman tried his hand at it, scouting Carson Strong and praising Malik Willis response to an overrated chant one year ago. On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. Players cited the tight-knit nature of the locker room and their confidence during late-game situations as a result of the buildings updated vibes under OConnell. Not only schematically, how people play against you, but the responsibility he has as a role model. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Were having conversations with our players, their representation, and ultimately how all of those things shake out will be done in a way where we just want to make sure we stand by what we believe in as an organization.. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. They needed more receivers on the field. Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. And in 2022, Cousins is scheduled to cost the Vikings $45 million on their salary cap. Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported earlier in the week that he would not anticipate the type of one-year, fully-guaranteed extensions that the 35-year-old has signed in the past. The direct work together began in April when Minnesota could start its offseason workout program and was followed by Organized Team Activities before a summer break that was followed by training camp, he preseason, regular season and postseason. The 2020 Rams offense featured the 10th-ranked rushing attack, posting 126.1 yards per game on the ground, behind two 600-plus rushing seasons from RB Cam Akers and RB Darrell Henderson. To see the rest of the Kevin O'Connell's contract breakdowns, & gain access to all of Spotrac's Premium tools, sign up today. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities..
Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell Head Coach - Minnesota Vikings Top Salaries Free Agents Extensions Tools Best Values Transactions Chargers Kevin O'Connell Embed This Chargers, QB Age: 37-208d Exp: Years Drafted: Round 3 (#94 overall), 2008 College: San Diego State Agent (s): - More Chargers - Contract Details Transactions Statistics Transactions Sep 4 2011 Claimed off waivers by New York (NYJ) On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season. It's supposed to sting.' OConnell explained Wednesday that that process ranged from reviewing game-management decisions to gauging his teams success in various schemes and plays. We want to be.". "Justin just had an incredible year, but what I liked about it the most was just the impactful plays at critical moments he made for our team, among a lot of our players," O'Connell said. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. In 2019, O'Connell helped guide rookie WR Terry McLaurin to 58 receptions, 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards and touchdowns among rookies in franchise history. If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! 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. "He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. KARE 11 Sports Director. My main goal was just to connect with him and build on a relationship that I thought was strong already.