Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities.
The Minnesota Vikings entered the season with unsure futures concerning head coach Kevin O’Connell. He deserved a contract extension however had but to see the franchise put their cash up. After commerce rumors and an unbelievable season, the deal bought accomplished.
Kevin O’Connell’s Contract Displays His Prowess
Now, the cash seems to be prefer it displays a coach on the rise.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Our very personal Dustin Baker reported O’Connell’s $ 13 million annual wage and five-year extension. That could be a hefty sum for a head coach and simply places him within the high ten amongst his friends.
Coaches don’t have any wage cap, and the Wilf household wanted to make sure that they compensated their chief. There was by no means any real perception that O’Connell can be despatched anyplace else. The Vikings definitely weren’t going to commerce him, and opposing franchises may’ve made a bid, however it might have been brushed apart.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Getting the bag was at all times a part of the plan. In fact, O’Connell is snug in Minnesota, however he additionally wanted to see the payday. Finally, that got here to fruition, placing the Vikings in a optimistic gentle any longer.
This final season, O’Connell elevated Sam Darnold to heights he had by no means seen earlier than. The previous first-round decide had flamed out in a number of stops, and his new head coach bought the most effective out of him. A number of offensive weapons definitely didn’t damage, however the head coach bought the job accomplished.
Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Extending O’Connell in that gentle makes all of the sense on the earth. J.J. McCarthy wants a pacesetter that may do essentially the most for him. Daniel Jones, or another veteran backup, wants a pacesetter who may also help reduce the blow if a starter goes down.
The Tremendous Bowl places a legacy coach within the highlight. It additionally reveals off an up-and-coming star. The Vikings have the latter model in O’Connell, and it’s solely a matter of time earlier than he reaches the identical heights.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s centered on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s lively on Twitter and writes every day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former school athlete and avid sports activities fan, protecting our professional groups with a ardour has at all times appeared like such a pure outlet.
