Kevin O’Connell signs Vikings extension after bizarre trade rumors

Kevin O’Connell signs Vikings extension after bizarre trade rumors

Kevin O’Connell is staying in Minnesota. 

The Vikings head coach reached an agreement on a multi-year extension with the franchise, the team announced Tuesday.

“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach – an innovative play caller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. “He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.” 

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell pauses before answering a question during a news conference after an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell pauses before answering a question during a news conference after an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. AP

Before the deal, O’Connell was set to enter the final year of his contract with Minnesota in 2025 and even found himself in surprising trade rumors ahead of the NFL playoffs. 

“It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in the team’s press release. “… To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL. There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you each Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. I’m thrilled for the years ahead.”

O’Connell, 39, has gone 34-17 during the regular season over three years as head coach of the Vikings, making the playoff twice and falling in the wild-card round. 

This season, the Vikings went 14-3, falling short of earning a first-round bye after losing to the Lions on the last day of the regular season. 

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell walks onto the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell walks onto the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings were upset by the Rams in Minnesota a week later, losing 27-9 and ending their season. 

Minnesota is also working on a new deal for its general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 

The Vikings’ next big decision will come at the quarterback position this offseason when the team chooses between potentially re-signing Sam Darnold or giving the job to J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire season due to a knee injury after the team took him with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Related Posts

Danica Patrick claims Aaron Rodgers relationship was ’emotionally abusive’ and ‘wore me down to nothing’

Danica Patrick claims Aaron Rodgers relationship was ’emotionally abusive’ and ‘wore me down to nothing’

Danica Patrick has sensationally claimed her relationship with Aaron Rodgers was ’emotionally abusive’ and ‘wore me down to nothing’. The former NASCAR driver, who has become a…

Aaron Rodgers drops biggest hint yet about his NFL future

Aaron Rodgers drops biggest hint yet about his NFL future

It appears that, barring any significant change, free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be playing in the NFL this season – and it appears he’ll be inking…

Morgan Wallen humiliates Tom Brady and tells NFL legend shock secrets about his music career

Morgan Wallen humiliates Tom Brady and tells NFL legend shock secrets about his music career

In a recently released video on his YouTube channel, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady couldn’t seem to bring his sporting experience to the game of golf in…

Donald Trump takes swipe at the New York Jets during Tim Tebow’s White House visit

Donald Trump takes swipe at the New York Jets during Tim Tebow’s White House visit

President Donald Trump took a vicious swipe at the New York Jets during the Florida Gators’ White House visit, with legendary college football star Tim Tebow in…

Ryan Clark issues apology to Robert Griffin III’s wife after shocking insults about their interracial marriage

Ryan Clark issues apology to Robert Griffin III’s wife after shocking insults about their interracial marriage

Former NFL defensive back Ryan Clark is apologizing to his ex-teammate Robert Griffin III after invoking Griffin’s wife while insulting the quarterback for comments about WNBA star…

‘Taylor Swift is okay with that?’: Travis Kelce’s VERY hairy back leaves fans split after sweaty Miami workout

‘Taylor Swift is okay with that?’: Travis Kelce’s VERY hairy back leaves fans split after sweaty Miami workout

Viral pH๏τos of a sweaty Travis Kelce and his extremely hairy back have left the internet split… with many sparing a thought for his girlfriend Taylor Swift….