During the 2021 season, O'Connell's lone season with Stafford, the signal caller threw for the third-most passing yards (4,886) and second-most touchdowns (41) in the NFL, all while achieving his career-best 102.9 passer rating (in seasons with more than eight starts), the sixth-best in the NFL. Sometimes how you have to mold and adapt how you play while still staying true to your football philosophy at its core and its not always easy to do, but hes demonstrated that hes been very successful doing it time and time again.. He noted that hes always going to evaluate all the quarterbacks out of habit and that he finds himself often looking at evaluations from years past, even when someone is coming available who came out in the draft a long time ago. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. The 34-year-old has put up good statistics over the years, including 33 TDs and seven interceptions last season, but he's never delivered any sustained postseason success. In addition to impacting the culture within the building through an emphasis on building connectivity across the roster, the Vikings installed O'Connell's offense with Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips, a defensive system led by Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell and changed their special teams under first-year coordinator Matt Daniels. 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. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. Kevin will tease me about that sometimes. Follow us for breaking news and latest updates. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. The Vikings Are Still Trying To Find Mr. Right At QB With their limited salary cap . Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. 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. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. "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. 3. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Aside from the quarterback situation which is like talking about building a house and saying other than the ground it stands on the Vikings will also consider the wants/needs/system of Brian Flores as they look for improvement on defense. Adofo-Mensah shared an anecdote from after the game when he was walking the concourse behind a group of fans. Kevin William O'Connell Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net worth In the early 1990s, Dennis Green used a revolving quarterback carousel that featured Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Jeff George. [4][5] At SDSU, where he was a four-year team captain, he started 21 games, the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks; in 2007 he led the team in rushing yards. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. OConnell explained Wednesday that that process ranged from reviewing game-management decisions to gauging his teams success in various schemes and plays. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports). Partnered with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group|Powered by, Signed a 1 year contract with Miami (MIA), Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ), Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick, Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE), Drafted by New England (NE): Round 3 (#94 overall). Cousins' 4,093 passing yards marked his third-consecutive 4,000-yard passing season, helping him become the 11th quarterback in NFL history to accomplish this feat. He and Adofo-Mensah greet each prospect when they enter the room both to establish their culture of care and provide other Vikings staffers in the room a glimpse at the players size. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. 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. 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. No cards were shown when OConnell was asked about Flores and the cornerback position as it pertains to the draft but it would appear that Flores will be looking for players with flexibility, whether thats in terms of position or skill set. Were going to continue to look at whats the best route to go moving forward (with Thielen), OConnell said. And its even stronger now, OConnell said. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. 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. O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los A. Vikings officially name Kevin O'Connell their new head coach One element of his teams play that must improve? 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. "I feel like that foundation's in place. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati. He recently coached Stafford to a Super Bowl win, helping him post a 4-0 record in the postseason and 108.3 passer rating, which trailed only QB Josh Allen and QB Patrick Mahomes. Whatever the plan, timing is everything for the Vikings. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the futures of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. 4. 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. Similarly to his GM one day earlier, the Vikings head coach couldnt make a strong statement about what the future would hold at QB. O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) this season, 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) in 2021. The Vikings need to clear $23 million of 2023 salary to get under the cap. "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions. The personnel department continued to be on the lookout for players who became available after their release by other teams, and the coaching staff usually helped integrate the acquired player quickly, whether it was Za'Darius Smith in Week 1 or T.J. Hockenson in Week 9. We laugh. While they can feel reinforced by the results of the foundation laid in their first year, they also know a multitude of decisions await and all teams change from year to year. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43, "Adam Thielen on KOC's lack of screaming: 'It's kind of almost awkward', "SDSU Aztecs Biography for Kevin O'Connell", "Offensive Evolution Under Long Has Come to Pass for the Aztecs", "Kevin O'Connell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile", "Kevin OConnell, San Diego State, QB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football", "Lions have seven picks in upcoming draft", "Jets lose confidence in rookie running back Joe McKnight", "Jets release backup QB Mark Brunell, still waiting on Nnamdi Asomugha", "Jets awarded four players off waivers, including QB Kevin O'Connell; cut Aaron Maybin", "Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in", "Kevin O'Connell hired to coach QBs as Browns round out offensive staff", "49ers adding O'Connell to offensive staff", "Kevin O'Connell will coach quarterbacks in Washington", "Redskins Promote Kevin O'Connell To Offensive Coordinator; Matt Cavanaugh Moves To Senior Offensive Assistant", "Kevin O'Connell amicably departs as Redskins hire Scott Turner as OC", "2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports", "Los Angeles Rams come back to win Super Bowl LVI 2320 in front of hometown crowd", "Minnesota Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell 10th Head Coach In Franchise History", "Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach", "Packers vs. Vikings - Box Score - September 11, 2020", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kevin_O%27Connell_(American_football)&oldid=1141660186, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 04:43. But even if he didnt injure his knee at Winter Park, its fair to wonder if he would have ever become the long-term franchise quarterback. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Culpeppers injury took the Vikings into another dark period where they took a quarterback because they needed one. OConnell continued, Adam is one of those leaders that I speak of. It's supposed to sting.' I know this guy next to me and myself will lead and push and drive, because we don't want to feel this way, this early, ever again. This is also a business. Predictability, then, provides comfort to defenses. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. 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. When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He believes he's the best receiver in football -- I happen to agree with him -- and a lot goes with that. "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. Thats the byproduct of trying to do things the way we do. "One of my favorite players I've ever coached, I've told him that," O'Connell said of Jefferson. Scouting Combine live updates Top 150 free agents Beat writer . Justin Jeffersons superstar turn. Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season. On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. O'Connell, 36, was a member of the 49ers coaching staff (special projects) in 2016 and overlapped that season with new Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 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. Top Salaries Free Agents Extensions Tools Best Values Transactions Chargers Kevin O'Connell Embed This Chargers, QB Age: 37-208d Exp: Years Drafted: Round 3 (#94 overall), 2008 College: San Diego State Agent (s): - More Chargers - Contract Details Transactions Statistics Transactions Sep 4 2011 Claimed off waivers by New York (NYJ) What I was really impressed with Justin this year was the leadership, the next step. 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. 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. He also held the same position for Washington in 2019 after serving as the team'spassing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Vikings Trade Proposal Flips Cousins For 49ers Trey Lance | Heavy.com Meetings with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have helped OConnell in this regard. Anchored by T Andrew Whitworth, the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, the Rams offensive line only allowed 56 sacks in the two years O'Connell was in Los Angeles, which was good for the seventh-fewest among NFL clubs. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022. pic.twitter.com/WKHqPZU8ea, Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 1, 2023. - Page 5 . So have expectations going forward, until "someday" can become "the day.". Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings Part of their jobs during the comprehensive evaluation process will be setting aside those personal relationships and not letting them interfere with the process of building the 2023 Vikings to have the best chance at a championship and be within the constraints of the NFL's salary cap. O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. Even as other quarterbacks such as Willis, Desmond Ridder, and Sam Howell were there in the latest rounds of the draft, the Vikings didnt pull the trigger. Following his All-Pro wideout's 1,809-yard, 128-catch, eight-touchdown campaign, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell believes Jefferson can soar even higher. 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. ". It comes down to efficiency, he said. O'Connell's father, Bill, was a longtime FBI agent, and his mother, Suzanne, is a teacher. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. So theres not one right way.. Vikings' offseason roster decisions will be difficult, but team leaders The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Spielman hand-picked Ponder to be his quarterback after watching a game against North Carolina and a couple of practices at the Senior Bowl. 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. We want to be.". [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. 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. If not, they could ride Cousins another year and try their luck to acquire their guy in 2024. For O'Connell to coach Jefferson for a "really long time," the star receiver will need a contract extension. Kevin William O'Connell (born May 25, 1985), nicknamed " KOC ", [1] is an American football coach and former player who is the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). O'Connell rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 1914. 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. Cousins is attached to a fully guaranteed $35MM base salary. I dont know. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, wife Leah welcome fourth child Fired up to watch these guys this fall @b_petty14 @DWatford5 @EverettGolson @Connor_Cook03 @tannerlee12 @bharrisqb1 pic.twitter.com/2TNR1YJlHt But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. Florida's Anthony Richardson, one of the draft's most intriguing QB prospects, told reporters on Friday that in high school he modeled his game after two notable passers: Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. 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.. There are a few fundamental things that will influence decisions, starting with whether Cousins signs an extension. ", "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," said Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. 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. "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. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. 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. Kevin William O'Connell, nicknamed "KOC", is an American former player and a football coach who is the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. The direct work together began in April when Minnesota could start its offseason workout program and was followed by Organized Team Activities before a summer break that was followed by training camp, he preseason, regular season and postseason. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. The obvious answer? 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. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. ", O'Connell said the next step is "a championship standard" and that he wanted to wrap his evaluations and dialogue about the 2022 season the "way it should, with the same type of connection" with players and the "foundational building blocks of what we want to be. Theres a reason I feel so strongly about Kirk. 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. If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. Vikings, Cousins agree to 1-year, $35M contract extension O'Connell also helped Vikings all-time leading rusher Adrian Peterson eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,040) at the age of 34. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under salary cap By Alec Lewis Mar 1, 2023 14 INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL.