Minnesota Vikings make decision on head coach Kevin O’Connell after devastating end to the season

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a contract extension with head coach Kevin O’Connell, it was announced Tuesday. 

Despite an agonizing exit from the playoffs in the Wild Card round, the Vikings, who went 14-3 through the regular season, have renewed O’Connell’s tenure in Minneapolis. 

The franchise announced that it had reached a new multi-year contract extension with the coach. O’Connell had been set to enter the final year of his deal until reaching new terms this week. 

‘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/President Mark Wilf said. 

‘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.’ 

The terms of the deal were not disclosed but the team is also working on an extension for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a contract extension with head coach Kevin O’Connell

The Vikings' season ended in a heartbreaking Wild Card defeat to the Los Angeles Rams

The Vikings’ season ended in a heartbreaking Wild Card defeat to the Los Angeles Rams 

The Vikings’ Super Bowl hopes came to an end in the opening round of the NFL playoffs with a 27-9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. 

However, O’Connell led the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record, narrowly missing out on the NFC No. 1 seed in a Week 18 battle for the top seed against the Detroit Lions. 

Despite a stuttering end to the season, O’Connell undoubtedly stated his claim to the NFL’s Coach of the Year award. 

O’Connell’s position in Minnesota marked his head coaching debut in the NFL. He was hired to replace Mike Zimmer ahead of the 2022 campaign after a two-year run as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. 

The 39-year-old former quarterback is 34-17 and reached the playoffs twice in three seasons as the team’s head coach. 

O’Connell described it as an ‘absolute honor’ to continue leading the Vikings in a statement shared by the team. 

‘Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in what we are building together. I also want to thank Leah and our incredible children; their love and support allow me to perform this job at a high level,’ O’Connell said. 

‘And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our coaches, players and support staff. I can’t wait to get back to work with all of them as we continue to build upon the high standard we’ve set and the positive environment we’ve created.

‘To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL,’ O’Connell added. ‘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.’

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