Vikings officially name Kevin O’Connell as new head coach
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The Minnesota Vikings have officially named Kevin O’Connell, former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, as the team’s new head coach.
The team made the announcement via a news release on its website.
“As I spent time with Kevin during the interview process, it became immediately clear he will be a great partner in building this football team for long-term success,” Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “He understands what is critical to leading a team that wins at the highest level, and he has an ability to simplify the complex, which will help us in problem-solving in all football areas. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment.”
According to the team, in 2021, O’Connell led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game), 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).
“I greatly appreciate the Wilf family, Kwesi and the entire Minnesota Vikings organization for providing the opportunity to be their next head coach,” O’Connell said in a statement. “This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. Having been on the visitors’ sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium and experiencing that environment as an opposing coach, I am excited to now have the support of these passionate Vikings fans. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.”
“We are ecstatic to add Kevin as our head coach,” Vikings Owner and President Mark Wilf said in a statement. “He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin’s direction.”
FILE - Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell plays catch before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
Vikings Owner and Chairman Zygi Wilf added, “Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes. He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. Beyond the Xs and Os, everyone we spoke with throughout this search process spoke highly of Kevin’s ability to motivate players, coaches and staff.”
An earlier version of this report appears below.
The Minnesota Vikings plan on introducing the team’s new head coach this week.
KSTP has independently confirmed a news conference will be held Thursday to introduce Kevin O’Connell.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the team’s plan of a Thursday news conference.
O’Connell is the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, the reigning NFL champions after winning the Super Bowl this past Sunday.
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The Rams are having their Super Bowl victory parade Wednesday.
In January, the Vikings fired head coach Mike Zimmer, as well as general manager Rick Spielman.
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Zimmer had been with the team for eight seasons after having been named the team’s ninth head coach in 2014. He went 72-56-1 in those eight seasons and was 2-3 in the playoffs.
Spielman had been with the team since 2006 and was general manager since 2012. Over his 10-year stretch as GM, the Vikings accomplished an 87-72-2 record, four playoff appearances and two NFC North championships.
In late January, the team formally introduced Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the team’s new general manager.
Adofo-Mensah has spent nine years in the NFL and was previously the Vice President of football operations for the Cleveland Browns.
Other head coach contenders included Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, Rams coordinator Raheem Morris and 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
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