The Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell agreed on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a successful 14-3 regular season that exceeded expectations. Many had predicted a losing record or a last-place finish in the NFC North before the season began.
The Vikings have not shared the details of the contract, which was signed with one year still remaining on O’Connell’s current deal. In his three seasons with the team, the 39-year-old coach has led the Vikings to a 34-17 regular season record and a 0-2 playoff record.
One of the standout achievements in 2024 was the career-best performance of quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a strong first season with Minnesota after the team moved on from Kirk Cousins and drafted J.J. McCarthy as his future replacement.
Darnold made history by becoming the first starting quarterback in NFL history to achieve 14 wins in his first season with a team, a record that goes back to when the league first started tracking quarterback starts in 1950.
After struggling with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, Darnold had a breakout year, setting career highs in almost every major statistic and earning a spot in the Pro Bowl for the first time.
“It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in a statement released by the team. “Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted.”
O’Connell made history himself by becoming the first Vikings coach to achieve multiple seasons with at least 13 wins. He is also the third coach in NFL history to reach that milestone in two of his first three years. Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers (2019-2021) and George Seifert (1989-1990) of the San Francisco 49ers are the only other coaches to do so.
“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,” said Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf. “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.”
After Mike Zimmer was fired following an eighth season with a 2-3 playoff record, the Vikings hired O’Connell, who had just finished his time as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
Although O’Connell’s passion for the quarterback position outpaced his ability to play it, having spent four years with five different NFL teams, he eventually transitioned to coaching. He worked his way up and joined the Rams in 2020 under head coach Sean McVay.
This season, the Vikings lost twice to McVay’s Rams, including a 27-9 loss in the wild-card round of the playoffs. They were also swept by the NFC North champion Detroit Lions for the second consecutive year, which indicates that there is still work to be done for the team to progress further.
Despite these setbacks, O’Connell has created a positive atmosphere where players can perform at their best. His record of 26-9 in games decided by eight points or fewer, or one possession, shows his ability to lead in close games.
O’Connell’s strength lies most notably in the quarterback room. Despite facing challenges, including the season-ending Achilles injury to Cousins, the Vikings finished fifth in the NFL for passing yards in 2023. Darnold’s breakout performance in 2024 highlighted the continued success in that area.
“There is no question this team is on the right trajectory under Kevin’s continued leadership,” said Zygi Wilf, Vikings owner and chairman. “His authenticity, passion and positive energy, along with his impressive understanding of the game, has helped lead to the success we’ve experienced over the past three years and will be foundational blocks on which to build moving forward.”
