Kevin O’Connell Is Officially The Minnesota Vikings Head Coach

Photo: Stacy Revere Getty Images
Photo: Stacy Revere Getty Images

     The Minnesota Vikings have announced the signing of Kevin O’Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. After two seasons as the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, O’Connell is fresh off a 23-20 Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals as he comes to Minnesota.

     "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," said Minnesota Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf.

     The Los Angeles Rams offensive thrived this past season under O’Connell. They ranked top 10 in the NFL with 372.1 total yards (9th), 273.1 yards passing (5th), and 27.1 points (tied for 7th with the Cincinnati Bengals) per game.

     Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also had high praise for O’Connell. "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," said Adofo-Mensah.

     After winning Super Bowl LVI with the Rams, O'Connell seems determined to bring Minnesota its first Lombardi Trophy home. “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 continued, “This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fanbase. Having been on the visitors’ sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium and experiencing the 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.”