On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. 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.. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. 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. "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.". O'Connell is the latest in Sean McVay's coaching tree to land a head coaching job, following the likes of Matt LaFleur with the Green Bay Packers and Zac Taylor with the Bengals. All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com. "It's so easy from my background to sit in front of a spreadsheet and make decisions and talk about things. converting part of right tackle Brian O'Neill's base salary to a signing bonus. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. 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. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. "But as we reflect, I think it's important to understand, be honest with our evaluations, understand taking a look at all the little things no detail is too small in how we're trying to improve as a team, improve as a coaching staff, and most importantly, improve myself. [23], On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as offensive coordinator. The Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2017, which was good enough for the NFC's third seed, but were defeated by the New York Giants in the Wild Card round by a final score of 3124. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Those are things we got to answer. 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. New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, some two weeks after reaching an agreement with the club to replace Mike Zimmer, can finally wear some purple. 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. 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. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. How do you go forward building it from here? None of that is to say OConnell is not evaluating quarterbacks in this years draft. 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 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. In football, as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. They needed more receivers on the field. However, neither seem like a good option now. 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. 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. And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. 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. But in Kevin O'Connell's 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. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. 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. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. Kevin O'Connell had some interesting things to say about the direction the Minnesota Vikings want to go as they look ahead to the 2023 NFL season. He takes it very seriously how much people and young kids look up to him. 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. The Minnesota Vikings finalized their hiring of head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday, completing a sharp offseason shift in direction by turning over the team to the 36-year-old. Predictability, then, provides comfort to defenses. 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 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press and Super Bowl LVI MVP, 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. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. 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.. The Raiders plan to place the franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs if the sides cannot come to a deal on a long-term extension by Tuesday's deadline, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday. O'Connell was asked today if Donatell will be back and didn't . Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. Adofo-Mensah, who previously worked on Wall Street, was asked to assess where the Vikings stock is. He isnt on the same tier as Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, but is good enough to hold down the position until they can find that player. "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. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams the past two seasons. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. There also were road losses at Detroit and Green Bay after the calendar flipped to December. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. View images from the Vikings locker room at TCO Performance Center on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers at the end of the 2022-23 season. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. It's supposed to hurt. A lot of guys come in here and say they want to start in the NFL on Day 1. 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. In the early 1990s, Dennis Green used a revolving quarterback carousel that featured Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Jeff George. But the. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. 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). The process was complicated by the lack of free agency and offseason movement due to the NFLs player lockout. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. The numbers bear out OConnells observation. But the biggest question on everybodys mind was what they were going to do with Kirk Cousins. O'Connell, a former backup NFL quarterback who spent time with five different teams, knows the business from a player's side and coach's side. By COURTNEY CRONIN. Hes the epitome of a hometown hero, universally loved, and the type of player who should retire with the Vikings. Its not always easy to maintain that, but I will never change from that because I just believe thats the way youre supposed to operate.. O'Connell has an older sister, Kelly, who is an attorney. The Vikings Will Benefit From Their Revamped Team Culture, Theres One Ideal Way To Deal With Danielle Hunters Contract. Will that happen? We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". "We are ecstatic to add Kevin as our head coach," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. Right comes along. Adofo-Mensah admitted his elevation to GM brought him more exposure to the human elements than when he was advancing through the research-and-development departments with the 49ers and Browns. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. In terms of the things that were different in 2022, the most noticeable were the approach to camp and preseason workloads, managing injuries and how players who were recovering from injuries were talked about publicly and the buy-in to quarterback Kirk Cousins. O'Connell also played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and San Diego Chargers before retiring in 2012. [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. The Wilfs and the resources they give us to bring in the people, like [exectuive director of player health and performance] Tyler Williams, OConnell said. 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. Kevin will tease me about that sometimes. Fired up to watch these guys this fall @b_petty14 @DWatford5 @EverettGolson @Connor_Cook03 @tannerlee12 @bharrisqb1 pic.twitter.com/2TNR1YJlHt So how will he balance the desire to maximize the benefits of the culture, keep the players who helped him implement it and improve on last season while dealing with the facts of life in a salary cap league? The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II is the early leader for fastest player at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine after posting a time of 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash on Friday. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. The Minnesota Vikings have made the hiring of Kevin O'Connell as their new head coach official by sharing the news on social media. And I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level. Teams that typically played with one-high safety against most opponents often utilized two-high safeties against the Vikings. "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. O'Connell compared Cousins to Matthew Stafford, calling each an "elite thrower," via Tomasson (on Twitter ). 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.". 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. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. "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. OConnell knows safety Harrison Smith has done much of the same. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. 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. 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 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. If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. 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.. Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. Were in a position to do a lot of different things regardless of field position, score of the game, personnel groupings.. Try a week on us. 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. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. 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. We're still feeling that here, but I will say that hurt, that sting, that will drive us. He also held the same position for Washington in 2019 after serving as the team'spassing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 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. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. 5. He later reiterated his own self reflection following the season, saying there were a lot of phases looking at everything from how game-management and play-calling tie together to how they handle all the aspects of players schedules to the scheme. O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) in 2021, 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. It's supposed to sting.' One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. "But I wouldn't say that we're that established, 'there' team because we haven't shown it yet. On Tuesday, Adofo-Mensah explained that Cousins camp wants certainty if he is to sign a new deal, while the Vikings seek flexibility. It meets that first threshold, and thats a question that a lot of people cant answer with a yes. So we have got to make sure that we treat that in the proper importance it is.. Those are all questions we got to answer. 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. 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. And in 2022, Cousins is scheduled to cost the Vikings $45 million on their salary cap. 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. We always have to be evaluating, OConnell said. Some would take this as a sign the Vikings are ready to move on. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. Quarterbacks are never far from OConnells mind. Coming off a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell. [How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? "This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't saying if Ed Donatell will return as defensive coordinator for the 2023 season. And when I think about all that went into it, from a coaching staff standpoint, our players, our leadership of our core leaders and foundation of such a great leadership group that I was able to have in my first year as a head coach in the National Football League, I truly feel very fortunate and blessed," O'Connell added. Login Here. Sep 9 2010 Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ) Aug 31 2010 Waived by New York (NYJ) Sep 6 2009 Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick. If not, they could ride Cousins another year and try their luck to acquire their guy in 2024. But Kevin O'Connell's comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. In July 2017, Kirk Cousins became the first quarterback to play under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. "I feel like that foundation's in place. 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. 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. There are times when hes mad and when Im mad. 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. INDIANAPOLIS -- Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2022 while averaging 106.4 yards per game. O'Connell's father, Bill, was a longtime FBI agent, and his mother, Suzanne, is a teacher. When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) 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. 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. Right. 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. 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. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.". 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.