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. While OConnell answered gracefully about his colleague, it was a reminder that they didnt finish the year with a deep playoff run. But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. You do hope it was a perfect world where you can have everybody and have everybody finish their careers where they should and feel great about it, but its just so hard to do and still build for the future the way the rules are set up, OConnell said. 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). INDIANAPOLIS If you walk around to different podiums and listen to NFL coaches speak to the media about their teams offseasons, you are likely to hear a lot about culture. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. O'Connell and the Rams are coming off a victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. I believe in him as a player and was really proud of the way he played this year but we always have to be evaluating, he said. None of that means anything for what we do moving forward if we dont grow and evolve and change in a good capacity, OConnell said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell fielded questions from the media on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. 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?. We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". "This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. Therefore, with free agency 11 days away, the Vikings and Thielen are firmly in the see what happens phase of the offseason, described by Thielen. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. A necessary condition is having a starter-level quarterback, Adofo-Mensah began. I just watch the way he carries himself every single day and week. Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. I dont know. Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) (OConnell is 6-foot-5, so his frame provides a solid comparison.). The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. This is also a business. "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. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. 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.. Spielman hand-picked Ponder to be his quarterback after watching a game against North Carolina and a couple of practices at the Senior Bowl. [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. They could have done what the Pittsburgh Steelers did by drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round last year, but they knew he wasnt the guy. I'm sure a lot of fans will be going through that right now, and that hurts to hear, I can't lie, but I understand where that's coming from. Use of any marks, trademarks, or logos on this website shall not constitute a sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder. 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. While the survey is the ultimate feather in OConnells cap in terms of retaining players on long-term contracts and signing free agents, hes aware that not everyone is going to be able to return and the team doesn't have oodles of cap space to spend this offseason. Harrison Smith stats (2021): 73% completion % allowed, 98.7 QB rating allowed Already a projected $14 million over the 2022 NFL salary cap, the Vikings need to clear a ton of room. O'Connell led the Vikings to a 134 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history. Hes the epitome of a hometown hero, universally loved, and the type of player who should retire with the Vikings. 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. Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. O'Connell worked on special projects with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, where he overlapped with Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. in the 2012 draft. Stafford set the single-season team record for passing yards (4,886) and tied Kurt Warner from his 1999 MVP season for the most passing touchdowns in a season by a Rams quarterback with 41, while also winning his first playoff game in his 13th season in the NFL. We haven't shown our ability to come in year-in, year-out and do those things. 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). The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. 1 in other areas before hiring OConnell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, particularly with a different attitude toward players and increased focus on sports science in the training room. If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . 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. [22] After the 201920 regular season, O'Connell was not retained by the incoming new head coach, Ron Rivera. O'Connell also helped Vikings all-time leading rusher Adrian Peterson eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,040) at the age of 34. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. With Cousins in his mid-30s, the Vikings need to figure out a succession plan at quarterback. As he reviewed the way defenses matched up against his team, OConnell noticed a trend. He also held the same position for Washington in 2019 after serving as the team'spassing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . The Washington Commanders took Cousins in the []. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielens fate in 2023. KARE 11 Sports Director. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. On Wednesday, OConnell said hes hoping that their shared experience in 2022 will help both sides satisfy their needs. "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. During the 2009 preseason, O'Connell was claimed by the Detroit Lions and was then later traded to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick. In basketball, he was a two-year letterman, and a teammate of Arizona standout Chase Budinger. Login Here. Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, ZaDarius Smith and others. But Adofo-Mensah gave his own review about his starting quarterback. I think the priority first and foremost is giving him time to evaluate our roster with our young players and some of our veteran players and see how pieces may fit, OConnell said. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. Thats the byproduct of trying to do things the way we do. Kevin O'Connell signed a 1 year, - contract with the San Diego Chargers, including an average annual salary of -. converting part of right tackle Brian O'Neill's base salary to a signing bonus. Prior to his one year in San Francisco, O'Connell was the quarterbacks coach in Cleveland during the 2015 season, assisting QB Josh McCown to becoming the only player in team history to throw for 300 or more passing yards in three consecutive games. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". Right comes along. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. He said it's between a startup and one with an ability to earn, adding "in our business, earning is wins. Were in a position to do a lot of different things regardless of field position, score of the game, personnel groupings.. But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. If the Vikings parted ways with Thielen via outright release or trade, theyd face three plausible options for 2023s WR2: For now, OConnell views Thielen as an unabashed team leader, but the front office must determine the fair compensation for his cap hit. Just scratching the surface with #18 pic.twitter.com/MpWlPV7MoN, And then, ultimately, OConnell said, youve got to ask: How do we use that information to our advantage moving forward?. One element of his teams play that must improve? And its even stronger now, OConnell said. They worked with players they inherited, quickly assessing who was set to return and how to try to add pieces they deemed missing through a strategic approach to free agency and proceeding through the 2022 NFL Draft. Right. Theres a lot of different directions you can go, OConnell said, and (each decision) affects another one and another one. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah noted Tuesday that inking the wideout to a new contract is a "high priority. To see the rest of the Kevin O'Connell's contract breakdowns, & gain access to all of Spotrac's Premium tools, sign up today. Here are five things to know. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings plan on interviewing Rams assistant head coach/running backs coach Thomas Brown for their offensive coordinator position under O'Connell. O'Connell's NFL coaching career began in 2015; he held various assistant coaching roles on the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams (where he won Super Bowl LVI, as offensive coordinator, in the 20212022 season). I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.". And I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level. [10], He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.[11]. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team's goals are for the offseason. pic.twitter.com/WKHqPZU8ea, Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 1, 2023. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. 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. 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. O'Connell was asked today if Donatell will be back and didn't . With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. The Vikings have not gone to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2008-09. None of that is to say OConnell is not evaluating quarterbacks in this years draft. ", "We've shown that we have a culture and an ability to do those things at a really high level," Adofo-Mensah said. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State. 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 think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. Players cited the tight-knit nature of the locker room and their confidence during late-game situations as a result of the buildings updated vibes under OConnell. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. . Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. From Week 14 through the wild-card loss to the Giants, the Vikings faced 190 snaps against defenses that played with the middle of the field open, by far the highest in the league during that period. "He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Its even stronger now. An NFLPA survey showed the Vikings as the best team for players in the league, bringing evidence that the changes they promised worked out, gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. But there was a sobering line of questioning from a New York reporter pertaining to Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott's cap hit might be rising in 2023, but owner Jerry Jones believes his quarterback has the ability to bridge the gap in any talent the roster might lose because of it. 1. O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 237. As a senior, he was named his team's Most Valuable Player, and selected to All-League, All-North County, and All-San Diego teams. "We have to make sure we do it in an order that we can do it in given all the other decisions we have to make.". Get a behind-the-scenes look at Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's media day last week at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. The 2020 Rams offense featured the 10th-ranked rushing attack, posting 126.1 yards per game on the ground, behind two 600-plus rushing seasons from RB Cam Akers and RB Darrell Henderson. 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. 3. 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. "It's so easy from my background to sit in front of a spreadsheet and make decisions and talk about things. At the same time, proud of what they've accomplished this year and look forward to the first day of the offseason program, when we get those guys back in here.". The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Kentucky's Will Levis, a likely top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, spoke Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine and -- in under 15 minutes -- presented himself as arguably the most self-assured QB in this year's class. Kupp, who was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year at last week's NFL Honors, had one of the best receiving seasons in NFL history, leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16), earning AP First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. 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.. Understanding the goals of culture and the goals of building up through our leadership and setting a foundation and platform for every individual in this building to feel like they can thrive and grow and eventually reach their truest, highest potential. Youve got to ask yourself the question: Why?. O'Connell and the Rams are coming. In addition to helping QB Jared Goff to his fourth consecutive of at least 3,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2020, O'Connell prepared QB John Wolford for a win-and-in game against the Cardinals in Week 17, helping him pass for 231 yards and rush for 56 more in his NFL debut, while leading the Rams to a 18-7 victory and a playoff berth. The only way theyre going to improve is through hard work and understanding that accountability factor to what their goals are, OConnell explained. "I feel like that foundation's in place. . 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. As we use the process of free agency and the draft to really take a look at how to evolve and fit what we want to do.. 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. Stafford set the single-season team record for passing yards (4,886) and tied Kurt Warner from his 1999 MVP season for the most passing touchdowns in a season with 41, while also winning his first playoff game in his 13th season in the NFL. These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Culpeppers injury took the Vikings into another dark period where they took a quarterback because they needed one. On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. Theres a reason I feel so strongly about Kirk. Is it to that line?' One thing he knows is that no matter how many As he got in a survey or wins he posted as a first-year coach, that doesnt mean they can do it all again the same way and get the same results. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. So theres not one right way.. That was somebody that was as important as anybody for me to bring to this organization I didnt know there was going to be a survey, it didnt matter to me, but I knew what that would look like with Tyler, Kwesi and myself and how we build things.. Along the way, personal relationships grew. Not only schematically, how people play against you, but the responsibility he has as a role model. Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Top 10 Justin Jefferson plays | 2022 season, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah compares team building through draft vs. through free agency, trades. O'Connell was instrumental in aiding mid-season free agent signee WR Odell Beckham, Jr., to five receiving touchdowns in eight games played with the team, the most since his 2018 season with theNew York Giants. - Page 5 . Those are things we got to answer. KSTPs Darren Wolfson reported that the Vikings met with Florida manI meanquarterback Anthony Richardson at the scouting combine and OConnell is keen on Kentucky quarterback Will Levis despite his Orlovskian food takes. I think we laid a foundation for where we want to go. 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. 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. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. "When you involve people, it can make the job a lot tougher, but I also think the people aspect is what culture is and that's important," Adofo-Mensah added. Thielen joined the Vikings a decade ago as an undrafted special teamer and clawed his way up the depth chart to WR1 by the start of 2016. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. Conversely, when the Vikings ran for zero or negative yards on first down, something they did more than any other team in the league aside from the Jaguars, they would then be fighting uphill. "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.". Facebook Twitter The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports). Kevin O'Connell Offensive Scheme Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, Kevin O'Connell has been chosen to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings officially after the Super Bowl on February 13, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in Photos, Kevin OConnell Brings Energy, Innovation as Vikings New Head Coach, 5 Things to Know About New Vikings Head Coach Kevin OConnell. View photos of new Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in photos from his time with the Rams. New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he is "excited to coach" quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2022 and is "anticipating" him being a part of the team's plans. Schad covers the Minnesota Vikings for Zone Coverage. One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Fired up to watch these guys this fall @b_petty14 @DWatford5 @EverettGolson @Connor_Cook03 @tannerlee12 @bharrisqb1 pic.twitter.com/2TNR1YJlHt In football, as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. 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. 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.