Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has agreed to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. O’Connell, 39, was set to enter the final year of his original contract with the Vikings, who hired him before the 2022 season.
“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 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 also is negotiating a contract extension with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, according to multiple reports.
O’Connell is 34-17 overall, including 14-3 this season when Minnesota earned the second-most wins in franchise history. The Vikings fell short of the conference’s No. 1 seed and the NFC North title, with the Detroit Lions earning both. Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Rams 27-9 in the NFC wild-card round.
He said it is “an absolute honor” to continue to coach the Vikings.
“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,” said O’Connell, who also thanked his wife and children, 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,” he added. “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.”
His first year as head coach, the Vikings went 13-4, followed by 7-10 in 2023 and 14-3 this season. Minnesota was bounced in the first round of the NFC playoffs in 2022 and this season.
O’Connell is the only coach in Vikings history with multiple 13-win seasons. He is the fastest in franchise history to 30 career wins, reaching the mark in 46 games.
He was offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams (2020-21) before coming to Minnesota. He also served as OC in Washington in 2019 after two seasons as quarterbacks coach. O’Connell broke in with the Cleveland Browns as QBs coach in 2015 and was an offensive assistant with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
–Field Level Media
