Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities.
The Minnesota Vikings simply completed their 2024 season. Nobody anticipated them to do something of observe, however Kevin O’Connell was granted Sam Darnold as his subsequent quarterback and polished him right into a gem. The bridge starter had an unbelievable 12 months, and the Vikings received 14 video games. Think about letting that management get away.
Kevin O’Connell Was By no means Going Wherever
Don’t fear, that by no means crossed Minnesota’s minds.
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Jay Glazer reported that groups had inquired about buying and selling for Kevin O’Connell. In fact, suitors would have been. The Wilfs hadn’t prolonged their head coach, and he rapidly emerged among the many NFL’s greatest. That doesn’t imply the franchise ever gave it any thought.
No matter what opponents could have needed, Kevin O’Connell was by no means going to go away Minnesota. The Vikings prolonged him on a brand new deal this week, and that was at all times the end result that might play out. The Wilf household knew they’d hit a house run with the rent, and the timing was the one factor needing to return collectively.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports activities.
O’Connell distanced the Vikings from the old-school method Mike Zimmer delivered to the constructing in his first season on the helm. He had an offensive mindset and was targeted on gaining collaboration from all members of his roster, which resulted in a 13-win season and playoff look.
Final 12 months, the Vikings suffered important accidents to their quarterback and broad receiver positions. Taking part in with out Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson for important stretches would all however stifle their means to provide a perfect end result.
Regardless of drafting a first-round quarterback and signing a veteran bridge this offseason, O’Connell discovered a approach to make the group related once more. Minnesota competed for the primary general seed within the NFC, they usually carried out higher than any specialists had them tabbed for. It was the doing of the pinnacle coach that made the distinction.
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports activities.
It will have been foolish for groups to not name on Justin Jefferson earlier than his extension final offseason. That didn’t imply the Vikings ever thought-about transferring him elsewhere. The identical line of considering applies to the pinnacle coach, and now he’s right here to remain.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s targeted on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s lively on Twitter and writes each day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former faculty athlete and avid sports activities fan, masking our professional groups with a ardour has at all times appeared like such a pure outlet.
