The obvious answer? He later reiterated his own self reflection following the season, saying there were a lot of phases looking at everything from how game-management and play-calling tie together to how they handle all the aspects of players schedules to the scheme. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, and The Doors (the band). The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. [How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? 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. Culpeppers injury took the Vikings into another dark period where they took a quarterback because they needed one. The Vikings announced their agreement in principle with Cousins on a one-year contract extension Sunday the latest high-leverage deal that Cousins has successfully bet on himself with and the clearest sign yet that the Vikings aren . The only way theyre going to improve is through hard work and understanding that accountability factor to what their goals are, OConnell explained. OConnell continued, Adam is one of those leaders that I speak of. Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. 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.. 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. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 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. "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. While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. He takes it very seriously how much people and young kids look up to him. Finding a suitable compromise appears to be the current strategy. Set to earn just $2.399 million in 2023, with a potential fifth-year team option in 2024, Jefferson is due a massive pay increase in line with his value. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 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?. A lot of guys come in here and say they want to start in the NFL on Day 1. 5. 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? So, well see what happens.. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. [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. 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. Sometimes how you have to mold and adapt how you play while still staying true to your football philosophy at its core and its not always easy to do, but hes demonstrated that hes been very successful doing it time and time again.. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. But the things we did accomplish, I think, were incredibly impactful. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43, "Adam Thielen on KOC's lack of screaming: 'It's kind of almost awkward', "SDSU Aztecs Biography for Kevin O'Connell", "Offensive Evolution Under Long Has Come to Pass for the Aztecs", "Kevin O'Connell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile", "Kevin OConnell, San Diego State, QB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football", "Lions have seven picks in upcoming draft", "Jets lose confidence in rookie running back Joe McKnight", "Jets release backup QB Mark Brunell, still waiting on Nnamdi Asomugha", "Jets awarded four players off waivers, including QB Kevin O'Connell; cut Aaron Maybin", "Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in", "Kevin O'Connell hired to coach QBs as Browns round out offensive staff", "49ers adding O'Connell to offensive staff", "Kevin O'Connell will coach quarterbacks in Washington", "Redskins Promote Kevin O'Connell To Offensive Coordinator; Matt Cavanaugh Moves To Senior Offensive Assistant", "Kevin O'Connell amicably departs as Redskins hire Scott Turner as OC", "2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports", "Los Angeles Rams come back to win Super Bowl LVI 2320 in front of hometown crowd", "Minnesota Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell 10th Head Coach In Franchise History", "Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach", "Packers vs. Vikings - Box Score - September 11, 2020", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kevin_O%27Connell_(American_football)&oldid=1141660186, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43. 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. In basketball, he was a two-year letterman, and a teammate of Arizona standout Chase Budinger. On Wednesday, OConnell said hes hoping that their shared experience in 2022 will help both sides satisfy their needs. 1. But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. 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. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. 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. It is something Ive thought a lot about.. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. Following his All-Pro wideout's 1,809-yard, 128-catch, eight-touchdown campaign, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell believes Justin Jefferson can soar even higher. As a four-year captain at San Diego State, O'Connell finished his career after appearing in 40 games while ranking third in completions (664), fourth in passing yards (7,689) and fifth in passing touchdowns (46) in school history. "Very thankful for him in Year 1 and really looking forward to seeing him growing both as a leader and continued dominance at the receiver position.". But the. OConnell did note that safety Lewis Cine was ahead of schedule in his rehab from a severe leg injury suffered in London last season and that Cine has been at TCO Performance Center making regular stop-ins to his office. They needed more receivers on the field. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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) However, neither seem like a good option now. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. This is also a business. 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. The Vikings head coach compared all of the moving parts to puzzle pieces but its more like a choose-your-own-adventure book because each choice with Player X impacts Player Y and the combination of all of the decisions takes you to a different endpoint. 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. Since then, there have been postseason appearances after the 2012 (loss in Wild Card), 2015 (loss in Wild Card), 2017 (loss in NFC Championship), 2019 (loss in Divisional) and 2022 (loss in Wild Card) seasons. [But you] sit in exit meetings with players, and it becomes personal at that point," Adofo-Mensah said. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. 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. 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. 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. [4] He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, where he led the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. 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. His teammates voted him as a captain for what he means not only to our organization but the Twin Cities. In football, as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. 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). It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. O'Connell oversaw the production of three quarterbacks in 2019, specifically rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, Jr. Once Haskins, Jr., became the full-time starter in Week 9, he passed for 1,225 yards, seven touchdowns, three interceptions and an 85.5 passer rating. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. That ultimately led the Vikings to Cousins. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. [4][5] At SDSU, where he was a four-year team captain, he started 21 games, the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks; in 2007 he led the team in rushing yards. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. But the quarterback position, both the understanding of where that player truly is when you get a chance to start coaching him, and then what your plan is for that player moving forward.. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, OConnell said. O'Connell was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played quarterback at San Diego State University. And when I think about all that went into it, from a coaching staff standpoint, our players, our leadership of our core leaders and foundation of such a great leadership group that I was able to have in my first year as a head coach in the National Football League, I truly feel very fortunate and blessed," O'Connell added. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. "One of them said that she had been a long-time Vikings fan and always felt let down, and this team felt different to her," Adofo-Mensah said. OConnell also referenced fair compensation for his players at the NFL Combine, perhaps a nod to Thielens current contract and how it fits within Minnesotas free-agent navigability. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities., "I feel better than I ever have about our chances moving forward." KARE 11 Sports Director. [10], He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.[11]. O'Connell's father, Bill, was a longtime FBI agent, and his mother, Suzanne, is a teacher. The Vikings have not gone to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2008-09. If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . [21] In 2019, under interim head coach Bill Callahan, O'Connell was promoted to offensive coordinator. ", "Making sure that the standard of knowing we've got the culture, knowing we've got the right things going in this building," O'Connell said. OConnell knows safety Harrison Smith has done much of the same. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. [22] After the 201920 regular season, O'Connell was not retained by the incoming new head coach, Ron Rivera. By COURTNEY CRONIN. O'Connell is the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, so he can't officially become the Vikings' new head coach until after the Super Bowl. He's McVay's second coordinator in two years to move on, joiningformer Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who is now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have only held their posts for a year, but they deserve the faith of the Vikings community. 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. Following his All-Pro wideout's 1,809-yard, 128-catch, eight-touchdown campaign, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell believes Jefferson can soar even higher. Is it to that standard? The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. O'Connell and the Rams are coming. O'Connell compared Cousins to Matthew Stafford, calling each an "elite thrower," via Tomasson (on Twitter ). O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012, to serve as an emergency back-up in the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller announcing his retirement from the league. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.". We haven't shown our ability to come in year-in, year-out and do those things. McCown also broke the single-game passing record in 2015, throwing for 457 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. This website is not directly or indirectly affiliated, associated, or connected in any way to Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League or the National Hockey League. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. 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. Before the Super Bowl, Thielen said onESPNsFirst Take, I want to retire a Viking. Whatever the plan, timing is everything for the Vikings. 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. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. "I feel like that foundation's in place. If not, they could ride Cousins another year and try their luck to acquire their guy in 2024. To provide the premier place to go to work and improve both personally and collectively as a team in our league means a lot to us, OConnell said. [27][28] O'Connell's Vikings hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. Since the start of 2019, Thielen ranks fifth in the NFL in touchdown receptions (36), trailing only Davante Adams (48), Mike Evans (41), Tyreek Hill (38), and Travis Kelce (37). "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. 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. "It's so easy from my background to sit in front of a spreadsheet and make decisions and talk about things. Thielen will turn 33 this summer and incur a $19.9 million cap hit against the Vikings salary cap. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. View images from the Vikings locker room at TCO Performance Center on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers at the end of the 2022-23 season. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. How OConnell and the front office maneuver through these personnel decisions to counteract the way defenses have played them could well become a key story in 2023. I think we laid a foundation for where we want to go. Furthermore, the Rams' 1,186 passing yards in the 2021 playoffs were the most in NFL history,surpassing the 2011 New York Giants (1,144).O'Connell helped Kupp (478) and Beckham, Jr., (288) post a combined 766 receiving yards in the playoffs, the most be any wide receiver duo this postseason. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. "Unbelievable talent. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings It comes down to efficiency, he said. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. 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. If you tell me Im second-and-5, here we go. NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. For O'Connell to coach Jefferson for a "really long time," the star receiver will need a contract extension. Under O'Connell, Rams quarterbacks have thrown for 1,517 passing yards (third in NFL), 11 touchdowns (fourth in NFL) and a 106.4 passer rating in playoff games (second in NFL). Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. The 33-year-old quarterback's $35 million base salary for 2022 became guaranteed last March . Were going to continue to take a look at whats the best route to go moving forward in that room, as are all the other rooms. How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. The Vikings officially. Justin Jeffersons superstar turn. . The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. 4. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.". O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) in 2021, 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. Use of any marks, trademarks, or logos on this website shall not constitute a sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder. We want to be.". In addition to impacting the culture within the building through an emphasis on building connectivity across the roster, the Vikings installed O'Connell's offense with Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips, a defensive system led by Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell and changed their special teams under first-year coordinator Matt Daniels. Ive been very honest about that. 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. ". He said it's between a startup and one with an ability to earn, adding "in our business, earning is wins. Senior Editor. 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. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. The victories and records set on the way to winning the NFC North for the first time since 2017 enabled Minnesota to host a playoff game for the first time in five years, but that excitement ended abruptly Sunday when the Giants topped the Vikings 31-24. 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. We're still feeling that here, but I will say that hurt, that sting, that will drive us. EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center's Indoor Practice Facility, the men sat together at a table on a small riser in the Media Center. That will motivate us to lead this organization to the place we want to go.

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