3 months, 2 weeks ago

Kevin O’Connell deserving of national praise as Vikings continue to ascend

EAGAN, Minn. — When you study Kevin O’Connell’s career arc, so much about his head-coaching success makes sense. GO DEEPER Dan Campbell is the favorite to win NFL Coach of the Year, but the race is heating up Leave it to Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill to explain O’Connell’s role during the week. On July 6, O’Connell received a phone call informing him the team’s recently drafted cornerback Khyree Jackson had been killed in a late-night car crash. So O’Connell and the Vikings staff formulated as many ways as possible to motion into and replicate those concepts in ways that would look different to an opposing defense. At this point, the size of O’Connell’s extension and his odds to win Coach of the Year are just data points supporting the reality summed up by Greg Olsen this weekend on the Fox broadcast: “If you’re starting a franchise and you need a great coach, play caller, quarterback whisperer — he might be the guy.”

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History of this topic

2 months, 1 week ago

Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agree to a multiyear contract extension after a 14-win season

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North. “It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in a …

2 months, 1 week ago

O’Connell says he’s had ‘great dialogue’ with Vikings as contract extension talks enter picture

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of roster issues to sort out with a host of impending free agents. O’Connell said Thursday he’s had “great dialogue” with team ownership in reflection on the season and his future and would like to sign a new deal this year. “Anything beyond that, I would prefer to kind of keep those …

2 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings with O’Connell clearly prefer to pass the ball, and Darnold has aced the test

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings had just retaken possession with a precarious two-point lead on Green Bay right before the two-minute warning, badly needing to drain the clock and stem the momentum the Packers seized down the stretch. “I felt comfortable with Sam in those moments,” O’Connell said, alluding to some particular runs he’d called earlier in the game …

3 months ago

Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O’Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleur

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most …

3 months, 1 week ago

Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell leans on unlikely source for guidance: Hall of Famer Bill Cowher

New York Times

Several offseasons ago, Trace Armstrong, the longtime NFL defensive end who’s now one of the most prominent coaching agents in the NFL, had an idea. @CowherCBS: #Vikings Kevin O'Connell and #Dolphins Mike McDaniel pic.twitter.com/vYMIFp7qbc — CBS Sports Network September 18, 2022 Listening to O’Connell reminded Cowher of himself as a young coach. GO DEEPER How NFL journeyman Josh McCown is …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

The Vikings and their in-gear offense will be a tough team to outscore moving forward

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Sam Darnold pinballed around his collapsed pocket to dodge a sack on third-and-8, before slicing through a skinny opening to sprint right in search of more space as Justin Jefferson’s hand shot up downfield. With O’Connell directing the quarterback development program and calling the plays and Jefferson leading a dangerous and diverse group of pass-catchers, Darnold has …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota means more than the Vikings are saying

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — This is going as expected. Vikings players and coaches are being asked about Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota, and their responses all sound the same. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores called him a “great quarterback.” Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips is looking forward to chatting with Cousins before or after Sunday’s game. After the game, O’Neill, whose NFL career …

Vikings' Defense Struggles as Flacco Takes Over in Crucial Match

Trending News

4 months, 4 weeks ago

Vikings' Defense Struggles as Flacco Takes Over in Crucial Match

Associated Press

The Minnesota Vikings are looking to bounce back from a tough 2-2 start to the season after a five-game winning streak. They face the Indianapolis Colts in prime time, a team that has shown they can overcome challenges with their passing attack. The Vikings will need to find their defensive footing quickly if they want to win this game. The …

5 months ago

Cooper Kupp won’t be only familiar face returning when Rams play host to Vikings

LA Times

The Rams’ Cooper Kupp caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a nine-yard touchdown in the season opener against the Detroit Lions. “I’m feeling really good,” Kupp said this week as the Rams prepared for their game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was the Rams’ offensive coordinator in the 2021-22 season when he and …

5 months ago

McVay's Former Assistant Hopes to Show O'Connell Everything He Learned in LA

Associated Press

Kevin O'Connell, Sean McVay's offensive coordinator with the Rams, will be in action on Thursday night when the Minnesota Vikings visit SoFi Stadium. O'Connell won a Super Bowl ring with McVay, and he has been impressed by McVay's willingness to allow him to be a part of things that maybe at other places, offensive coordinators aren't a part of.

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings' Free Agents Shine in London Win, Showing NFL's Undying Spirit

Associated Press

The article highlights the importance of free agency in the success of the Minnesota Vikings. It focuses on the acquisition of several promising young players through the draft and free agency, including Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Sam Darnold. The article emphasizes the team's ability to build a strong defense through strategic free agent acquisitions, which has contributed to …

5 months, 2 weeks ago

Raiders return to Aidan O’Connell as starting QB against the Steelers, benching Gardner Minshew

Associated Press

HENDERSON, Nev. — When Antonio Pierce became the Raiders’ interim coach midway through last season, his first major act was naming then-rookie Aidan O’Connell the starting quarterback. Pierce, now the full-time Las Vegas coach, is turning again to O’Connell as the Raiders reach a critical part of their season while benching Gardner Minshew with the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting on Sunday. …

5 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says his team’s 4-0 record means ‘nothing’ against Jets in London

Associated Press

WATFORD, England — The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated so far this season — and undefeated in international games in franchise history. “We’ve got to go out for four quarters this week and re-establish ourselves — our identity, our play style, our football philosophy — it’s got to be re-established on a week-in week-out basis,” O’Connell said. “It was great, honestly, …

6 months, 1 week ago

What I’m hearing: Steelers ready to cook with Fields, Herbert and Love updates, Bryce Young’s reality

New York Times

The hot dogs are out of my house. One opposing defensive coach said, “I’d trust KOC more than anyone in our league to get the most out of his quarterback.” Sam Darnold’s first two games under Kevin O’Connell are two of the best games of his career so far. Last week, after the Vikings beat the 49ers, San Francisco’s star …

7 months, 1 week ago

How NFL journeyman Josh McCown is key facet of Vikings’ quarterback development plan

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Here is Josh McCown, the upbeat, backward-hat-wearing, gum-chewing Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach. Yet when he showed up in Detroit, Martz described him as a “wild horse rider.” Martz tells a story about a particular throw in McCown’s first practice with the Lions. “It’s easy to just give a guy a play and say, ‘Find the open guy,’” …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

J.J. McCarthy is done for the season, and the Vikings are left to pick up the pieces

New York Times

BEREA, Ohio — The Minnesota Vikings’ buses pulled up to the Browns’ practice fields outside of Cleveland, and coach Kevin O’Connell quickly got on with it. “As crushed as I am for our team,” O’Connell said, “I’m the most crushed for J.J.” GO DEEPER Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful surgery As he spoke, the rest of …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy out for season after successful meniscus surgery on right knee

New York Times

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was ruled out for the season after having successful surgery on the meniscus in his right knee, coach Kevin O’Connell announced Wednesday. “It did reveal that a repair was necessary, which will end J.J.’s 2024 season.” The Vikings selected McCarthy out of Michigan with the No. Sam Darnold, who is entering his seventh season …

7 months, 2 weeks ago

Vikings’ McCarthy throws interception, 2 TDs in preseason debut for 24-23 win over Raiders

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Rookie J.J. McCarthy rebounded from an ill-advised throw intercepted by Las Vegas starting cornerback Jack Jones with two touchdown passes against backups, a mixed but promising preseason debut for the Minnesota Vikings’future franchise quarterback in a 24-23 victory over the Raiders on Saturday. Minnesota’s latest attempt at stabilizing the kicker position, the sixth-round pick Reichard, had his first …

7 months, 3 weeks ago

Vikings ownership says patience with McCarthy will be prioritized, as rookie QB develops

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — When the Minnesota Vikings became the proud owners of a rookie quarterback by drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round, their potential road to a Super Bowl came into focus — starting with speed bumps. We’re trying to build for the long term.” McCarthy, the 10th overall pick from national champion Michigan, has had his share of …

11 months ago

Why J.J. McCarthy (and those close to him) saw the Vikings as ‘dream scenario’ in draft

New York Times

He escaped to the golf course. GO DEEPER How hockey helped make J.J. McCarthy one of NFL Draft's most intriguing prospects “It was almost a dream scenario for him,” Campbell said. He referenced a pre-draft Zoom call with McCarthy, who asked him directly: “Is there a reason you wouldn’t draft me?” “Honestly, from a talent standpoint, no,” Adofo-Mensah said. Because …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins’ departure shifts Vikings’ team-building plan into new phase

New York Times

Last spring, the NFC coaches filled a ballroom inside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. “If you are building a roster around one of those quarterbacks,” O’Connell said, “a quarterback who is resetting the market, as we’ve seen some of these guys do coming out of their rookie first four years, you’re probably in a good position.” O’Connell did not invoke the …

1 year ago

Vikings at the NFL Scouting Combine: What we’re hearing about their offseason plans

New York Times

INDIANAPOLIS — After a while, the days and nights at the NFL Scouting Combine blend together. Here’s what we heard about the Minnesota Vikings in Indianapolis, ranging from the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins to potential defensive upgrades this offseason: 1. Hiring McCown as quarterbacks coach is a multifaceted move In 2015, Josh McCown first met Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell …

1 year, 1 month ago

What’s the Vikings’ plan? 5 thoughts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, are likely to converse this week before the crucial March 12 void on the 35-year-old quarterback’s contract. A couple of months later, in Arizona at the NFL league …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings’ offseason decisions will show deftness of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s leadership

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — It was the first question Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was ever asked publicly as the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. “I can’t run from that in any kind of way.” GO DEEPER Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's draft results under microscope as Vikings approach pivotal offseason A challenge we're ready to embrace. “Right now, in the competitive rebuild, we want to …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings GM says he wants Cousins back at QB as roster remains under construction

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The arrival of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as Minnesota Vikings general manager two years ago initiated a personnel strategy he branded a “competitive rebuild,” shaped by an organization disinterest in tanking and a dire need for a younger and more financially flexible roster. It’s just competitive, in a window, and I think we’re close to that,” Adofo-Mensah said Wednesday …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings enter offseason as Kirk Cousins’ potential return at QB weighs on other pressing needs

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings have entered another pivotal offseason, revolving around the club’s still-uncertain plans at quarterback. Cousins, who had enough qualifying attempts to finish third in the NFL in passer rating despite playing in only eight games, didn’t directly answer a question on Monday about whether he would sign with the Vikings for less …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings still struggling to stop the quarterback carousel from spinning with Cousins out

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins naturally evoked the loudest roar of the night in Minnesota, further amping up a high-energy atmosphere for a crucial game against Green Bay. When Jaren Hall was benched for Nick Mullens at halftime, after an interception and a fumble each set up a Packers touchdown, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell switched quarterbacks for the fifth time in …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings make halftime quarterback switch from Jaren Hall back to Nick Mullens

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — After rookie Jaren Hall’s fumble late in the first half Sunday night that led to a Green Bay Packers touchdown, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell had seen enough. O’Connell went back to veteran backup Nick Mullens, who had just lost his starting spot to Hall during the week of preparation. “There were some things execution-wise, some things progression-wise, …

1 year, 3 months ago

Vikings’ defense driving playoff chase as O’Connell mulls another QB change

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are still in control of a spot in the playoffs, even as they’re facing the possibility of a fourth starting quarterback this season. Whether Joshua Dobbs will keep the job or Nick Mullens will turn a decent relief appearance into a promotion, well, coach Kevin O’Connell could be forgiven for delaying such a declaration. “It …

1 year, 4 months ago

Josh Dobbs deserves continued praise for win, but so do Vikings’ lesser-known contributors

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — The locker room inside the Minnesota Vikings’ practice facility was mostly empty Monday. “It was insane.” Harry brought up how Dobbs had absorbed the Vikings’ offensive system in four days despite not taking a single practice rep. “It’s like if you were taking AP Spanish all year and you showed up and on Wednesday somebody said you …

1 year, 4 months ago

Dobbs rallies Vikings to 31-28 victory over the Falcons 5 days after being acquired in a trade

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Joshua Dobbs hadn’t had time to learn his new Minnesota teammates’ names in his five days with the team, much less figure out the playbook. Dobbs threw two touchdown passes, including a go-ahead 6-yarder to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds remaining, and also ran for a score five days after being acquired in a trade to help rally …

1 year, 4 months ago

What the Vikings’ trade for Josh Dobbs says about the team’s present and future at QB

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — In a roundabout way, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense is built around probability. Additionally, O’Connell said Tuesday that rookie quarterback Jaren Hall is in line to start Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. After the Vikings drafted Hall, John Beck, a longtime NFL quarterback and one of Hall’s private trainers, said, “He couldn’t have asked for …

1 year, 5 months ago

Who can the Vikings get to replace Kirk Cousins at quarterback? 7 potential options

New York Times

Considering what’s next for the Minnesota Vikings is a disorienting undertaking. Following quarterback Kirk Cousins’ torn right Achilles tendon, which was confirmed Monday by the team and is expected to cost him the rest of the 2023 season, there are a considerable number of questions. “We’ll talk internally, getting a lot of opinions and thoughts on where we’re at.” GO …

1 year, 7 months ago

Titans-Vikings practices were the ideal fit for coaches and former teammates Vrabel, O’Connell

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell made a priority call to his Tennessee Titans counterpart Mike Vrabel even before the preseason game schedule was released, desiring a hard-nosed opponent with a stout front seven to test his team against in training camp. “This is going to be some hands-on experience,” Vrabel said, “just learning different guys’ route …

1 year, 7 months ago

Raiders rookie QB Aidan O’Connell hopes his NFL story is just beginning

Associated Press

HENDERSON, Nev. — The idea of a walk-on at Purdue slowly rising to become a starting quarterback is enough of a long shot. That’s Aidan O’Connell’s story so far, one the Las Vegas Raiders rookie hopes won’t end any time soon. “I think you have to have a proper balance of reflection and also understanding I’m trying to play more …

1 year, 10 months ago

Vikings OTAs: How Brian Flores’ defense becomes ‘multiple’ and more on Brian Asamoah

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — In conversations with players on his defense, Brian Flores has talked about identity. “What I love about our defense and staff is the answer is toughness first, then fundamentals, technique and effort.” GO DEEPER Brian Flores’ defense makes 'intense' first impression at Vikings OTAs Akayleb Evans’ tackling Because the Vikings were so active during the 2022 NFL …

1 year, 11 months ago

How Jaren Hall fits into the Vikings’ unresolved long-term plan at quarterback

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — They laid a trap. Simultaneously, the Minnesota front office will get a chance to observe Hall’s progression as it considers the team’s most crucial long-term question: What is the plan at quarterback after Cousins, who turns 35 in August? “When you go into a contract negotiation, you’re trying to come up with solutions together,” Adofo-Mensah said Saturday. …

1 year, 11 months ago

Might the Vikings draft a QB? Kevin O’Connell could be ‘an ideal fit’ for a rookie

New York Times

He remembers when his brain was a tangled mess. The retired Super Bowl-winning quarterback visited Whitfield in 2014, observed some of O’Connell’s lessons, and said he “was blown away.” Afterward, Dilfer asked O’Connell to manage a quarterback regional for the Elite 11, one of the premier high school QB showcases. “In our offense,” O’Connell told Jones, “plays have a lot …

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings’ quarterback conundrum: Is now the time to find Kirk Cousins’ successor?

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings want to do this on their own terms. Considering The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, published “The Beast” on Monday, I felt it would be worthwhile to dig a bit deeper into the idea. The pass rush may be humming, but they’re not going to get home in time if we anticipate and see and feel.” So …

1 year, 11 months ago

After 13-4 debut season, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell sees clear paths to improvement

New York Times

Kevin O’Connell is working to stay ahead. “I think we’ve got some really good thoughts on how to put all that together in a way that becomes a real positive to build off from last year but not necessarily changing who we are as an offensive or defensive identity.” O’Connell took on the offensive play-calling responsibilities, which is something he …

2 years ago

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, owner express confidence in QB Kirk Cousins

New York Times

PHOENIX — Reporters crowded the table. “My goal is that 2023 is one of the best seasons Kirk has had playing QB in the NFL,” O’Connell said. “The benefits of drafting a QB and having those four years of that player on that scale that allows you to build a roster around those players … has been an advantage,” O’Connell …

2 years ago

Kevin O’Connell, Vikings reap benefits of new player health and performance system

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — They paused the PowerPoint on a specific slide. Last year’s second-round pick, cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., is working his way back from a meniscus repair of his left knee; Williams said he should be a full go for training camp. pic.twitter.com/ifENeKZOtR — Minnesota Vikings February 28, 2023 “If cross-disciplinary collaboration is not existent,” Williams said, “we cannot …

2 years ago

Vikings at the NFL combine: What I heard about their offseason plans

New York Times

They were all there. Pitt's Calijah Kancey posted a 4.67-second 40-yard dash on Thursday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, the best time for a defensive tackle at the event since 2003, per Next Gen Stats.https://t.co/sCeKma1Ee2 pic.twitter.com/vb7spG27cO — Around The NFL March 4, 2023 Still, there are other similarly sized pass-rushing options available in this year’s draft. First, note the …

2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings’ Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell chart path forward into offseason — together

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Exiting the stadium Sunday night, coming to terms with the fact that the Minnesota Vikings’ season was over, first-year general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got stuck behind a group of fans. “I can’t lie,” he said Wednesday, seated alongside coach Kevin O’Connell for Minnesota’s end-of-season news conference. O’Connell offered the idea of building-wide accountability to make sure the …

2 years, 2 months ago

Vikings place starting o-linemen O’Neill, Schlottman on IR

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings placed right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman on injured reserve on Tuesday, all but ending the season for two starters on the precipice of the playoffs. The Vikings signed eight-year veteran center Greg Mancz to give them another option at a vital position after O’Neill suffered a significant calf injury and Schlottman …

2 years, 4 months ago

Patriots-Vikings pits Belichick vs. former player O’Connell

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The first regular-season game Kevin O’Connell participated in during his fleeting NFL playing career came in late-game relief for New England in a rare lopsided loss. “I still have old notebooks with team meeting notes and things like that that are always great to go back and look through,” O’Connell said. “Based on the way the Vikings are …

2 years, 4 months ago

Kirk Cousins returns to visit Washington with 6-1 Vikings

Associated Press

— Kirk Cousins looks back fondly on his time in Washington, no occasion more than the day after Christmas in 2015 when he and his teammates clinched the NFC East title and a trip to the playoffs and were greeted by celebrating fans back at their practice facility. “I’ll never forget that.” Cousins returns to play the team he spent …

2 years, 4 months ago

Vikings seeing the benefit of leadership change in 6-1 start

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Patrick Peterson and Jordan Hicks, two defensive starters for the Minnesota Vikings, didn’t hold back with teammates or reporters regarding the unceremonious endings to their tenures with the Arizona Cardinals. “The feeling of going to work, being in this locker room, being around these guys, everything about this group feels like family,” running back Dalvin Cook said after …

2 years, 5 months ago

Vikings’ offense finding its way in O’Connell’s system

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — As Kirk Cousins opened Sunday with a team-record 18 consecutive completions, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was the focal point of a Minnesota Vikings offense that scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. “We’ve got a long way to go, five games in, but we’re really seeing some of our philosophy come to life,” O’Connell said. I also …

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1 week, 4 days ago