When Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stepped up to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine, he had several questions to answer about the Minnesota Vikings future. Theres a reason I feel so strongly about Kirk. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. Vikings officially hire Rams OC Kevin O'Connell as new head coach - NFL.com 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.. Some believe that is too rich for an aging playmaker and have subsequently speculated about Thielen's fate in 2023. Pelissero noted that Brown, who interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching position, is considered a "rising assistant" and is a candidate to replace O'Connell in Los Angeles. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. [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. He was 11-of-21 for 147 yards, and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.[6]. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Jefferson's 4,825 career yards are the most in NFL history for a receiver in the first three years of a career. Here are five takeaways from the conversation, beginning with OConnells thoughts on the free-agent decisions and potential cuts that will be made in the next couple of weeks. 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. [13] The injury required surgery. 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. Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reported earlier in the week that he would not anticipate the type of one-year, fully-guaranteed extensions that the 35-year-old has signed in the past. 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. Vikings Kevin O'Connell: Takeaways from NFL Scouting Combine presser Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. 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. If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. 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.. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, and The Doors (the band). If OConnells staff likes a prospect like USCs Caleb Williams or North Carolinas Drake Maye, they may be better served to wait especially with an aging team that will face a harder schedule in 2023. 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. Use of any marks, trademarks, or logos on this website shall not constitute a sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder. None of that is to say OConnell is not evaluating quarterbacks in this years draft. The Washington Commanders took Cousins in the []. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. converting part of right tackle Brian O'Neill's base salary to a signing bonus. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. But in Kevin OConnells case on Wednesday, he was able to beam about the Vikings culture after an NFL Players Association survey showed proof that he made good on the cultural promises he made at the last NFL Combine. All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com. It's supposed to sting.' He was also born in Minnesota. The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. 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. ", "I don't want to be the Vikings GM without this guy on our team, so it's a priority," Adofo-Mensah said. 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. What he means to our league, how he carries himself, how he works every day. This time of year tends to be a difficult time when youre talking about players futures and how they affect the greater picture of our team, and those conversations are ongoing, he said. 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. 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. Rams OC Kevin O'Connell Finalizes Contract to Become Vikings Head Coach Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, wife Leah welcome fourth child "But I wouldn't say that we're that established, 'there' team because we haven't shown it yet. Kevin O'Connell Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries In the early 1990s, Dennis Green used a revolving quarterback carousel that featured Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Jeff George. The obvious answer? Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, OConnell said. The Carlsbad, California, native and his wife, Leah, have two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and a daughter, Quinn. We haven't shown our ability to come in year-in, year-out and do those things. O'Connell, 36, was a third-round pick . The Vikings officially. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. Meetings with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have helped OConnell in this regard. Right. Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL Scouting Combine, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin OConnell met with a small group of beat writers. "I think we showed a building full of people, players, coaches, staff, ownership group, this guy next to me, would have the ability to be their best when their best is required. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. But the. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. The other was that the Vikings werent in a position to draft a quarterback, picking in the mid-20s for a majority of Greens tenure. 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. "One of them said that she had been a long-time Vikings fan and always felt let down, and this team felt different to her," Adofo-Mensah said. 4 takeaways from Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's combine press conference 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. This year brings a different scenario. If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. 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. 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. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. My main goal was to connect with (Cousins) and build on a relationship, OConnell said. Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. But the things we did accomplish, I think, were incredibly impactful. "One of my favorite players I've ever coached, I've told him that," O'Connell said of Jefferson. 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. Spielman tried his hand at it, scouting Carson Strong and praising Malik Willis response to an overrated chant one year ago. O'Connell also helped the Rams offense tie for seventh in scoring offense (27.1 points per game) and score on 45.9% of their offensive drives, which ranked third in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs (48.2) and New England Patriots (48.0). "Unbelievable talent. 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. Try a week on us. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 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?. 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. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022 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. Minnesota Vikings new head coach Kevin O'Connell takes over a club that missed the postseason the past two seasons with losing records and hasn't won the NFC North since 2017. Adofo-Mensah shared an anecdote from after the game when he was walking the concourse behind a group of fans. Vikings officially name Kevin O'Connell their new head coach "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. There are some hard conversations sometimes. McCown also broke the single-game passing record in 2015, throwing for 457 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Kevin O'Connell signed a 1 year, - contract with the San Diego Chargers, including an average annual salary of -. Aug 30 2009 Released by New England. And I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level. 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. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. 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. 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. Adofo-Mensah, who previously worked on Wall Street, was asked to assess where the Vikings stock is. Theres a lot of different directions you can go, OConnell said, and (each decision) affects another one and another one. With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Furthermore, the Rams' 1,186 passing yards in the 2021 playoffs were the most in NFL history,surpassing the 2011 New York Giants (1,144).O'Connell helped Kupp (478) and Beckham, Jr., (288) post a combined 766 receiving yards in the playoffs, the most be any wide receiver duo this postseason. [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. 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. Sources: O'Connell finalizing contract with Vikings - KUSA.com He grew up in Birmingham, Ala., and has written for Yahoo, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Kansas City Star, among many other places. The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. "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. Whatever the plan, timing is everything for the Vikings. 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. KARE 11 Sports Director. O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los A. Alec Lewis is a staff writer covering the Minnesota Vikings for The Athletic. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022. . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Maybe its not even for any one particular year.. EAGAN, Minn. Eleven months and a day after Kwesi Adofo-Mensah helped introduce Kevin O'Connell from a temporary stage constructed in Twin . It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. O'Connell coached QB Kirk Cousins in 2017, helping him throw for more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, and record a career-high 342 rushing yards and a league-leading four game-winning drives. 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. 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. We want to be.". Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. They want tostart every game, lead their team to the playoffs, win a Super Bowl, [but] a lot goes into what it takes to do that.. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. 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. When you have the receiver that leads the league in yards and receptions and have three other guys with 60-plus, you feel really strongly about that group, and I still think that theres places to go where we can build upon it even more, OConnell mentioned about Justin Jefferson and his wide receiving corps. In addition to helping QB Jared Goff to his fourth consecutive season with 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 Arizona 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 assessments of inherited players were made a year ago through film study and advanced metrics. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. For what its worth, SIs Albert Breer said on The Rich Eisen Show that many teams believe that the best quarterback prospects are still in college. . 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. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. [24] In O'Connell's second season with the Rams, their offense ranked 2nd best in receiving touchdowns (41), 5th highest in total yards (4,893), 8th best in total touchdowns (63), and the team won Super Bowl LVI (defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 2320). "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions. "I greatly appreciate the Wilf family, Kwesi and the entire Minnesota Vikings organization for providing the opportunity to be their next head coach," said O'Connell. [21] In 2019, under interim head coach Bill Callahan, O'Connell was promoted to offensive coordinator. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. 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). It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. If you tell me Im second-and-5, here we go. [27][28] O'Connell's Vikings hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. However, neither seem like a good option now. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USA TODAY Sports).
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