One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. Hes the epitome of a hometown hero, universally loved, and the type of player who should retire with the Vikings. By COURTNEY CRONIN. Not only schematically, how people play against you, but the responsibility he has as a role model. 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. So theres not one right way.. 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. . It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. They could have done what the Pittsburgh Steelers did by drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round last year, but they knew he wasnt the guy. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. He's McVay's second coordinator in two years to move on, joiningformer Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who is now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. But the. $36.25 million against its salary . Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. in the 2012 draft. O'Connell was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played quarterback at San Diego State University. We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". 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. He was 11-of-21 for 147 yards, and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.[6]. As we did on Tuesday with Vikings general manager Kwesi. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell fielded questions from the media on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Asked about the Vikings long-term future at that position, OConnell said he surveys the landscape of the position each year out of habit. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time. I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. If the Vikings parted ways with Thielen via outright release or trade, theyd face three plausible options for 2023s WR2: For now, OConnell views Thielen as an unabashed team leader, but the front office must determine the fair compensation for his cap hit. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown. Whatever the plan, timing is everything for the Vikings. 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. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. "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. O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on August 30, 2009, two days after a preseason game in which starting quarterback Tom Brady was injured, and, in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions and only threw 3 completions on 10 attempts. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. 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. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. And I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level. Those are all questions we got to answer. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. During the 2018 season, O'Connell was tasked with getting three different quarterbacks (Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez) up to speed following a devastating injury to starting QB Alex Smith. 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. The Washington Commanders took Cousins in the []. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. 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. His team won 13 games and the NFLPA just said his teams culture was the best in the league. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. How do you go forward building it from here? O'Connell led the Vikings to a 134 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. 1 in other areas before hiring OConnell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, particularly with a different attitude toward players and increased focus on sports science in the training room. 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. INDIANAPOLIS -- Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions in 2022 while averaging 106.4 yards per game. "This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. 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. McCown also broke the single-game passing record in 2015, throwing for 457 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. 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. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022. Its still something I think about often, OConnell said of the loss to the Giants. The Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. "It's so easy from my background to sit in front of a spreadsheet and make decisions and talk about things. In the meantime, quarterbacks such as Heath Shuler, Trent Dilfer, and Jim Druckenmiller went off the board until Green finally saw a quarterback he liked in the 1999 draft, Daunte Culpepper. During the 2009 preseason, O'Connell was claimed by the Detroit Lions and was then later traded to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick. There are times when hes mad and when Im mad. "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. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett spoke with media members on Friday for the first time since his arrest for public intoxication in late January. So, well see what happens.. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. Ive been very honest about that. "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. pic.twitter.com/WKHqPZU8ea, Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 1, 2023. The only way theyre going to improve is through hard work and understanding that accountability factor to what their goals are, OConnell explained. 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. KARE 11 Sports Director. Culpeppers injury took the Vikings into another dark period where they took a quarterback because they needed one. Prior to his one year in San Francisco, O'Connell was the quarterbacks coach in Cleveland during the 2015 season, assisting QB Josh McCown to becoming the only player in team history to throw for 300 or more passing yards in three consecutive games. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. Alec Lewis is a staff writer covering the Minnesota Vikings for The Athletic. Sure, there were unsightly losses along the way, including a couple of regular-season defeats to Philadelphia and Dallas teams that each won 12 plus in the regular season and have advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. For O'Connell to coach Jefferson for a "really long time," the star receiver will need a contract extension. O'Connell was instrumental in aiding mid-season free agent signee WR Odell Beckham, Jr., to five receiving touchdowns in eight games played with the team, the most since his 2018 season with theNew York Giants. 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. [10], He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.[11]. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. 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. It's supposed to sting.' A former NFL quarterback who was a career backup, O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't saying if Ed Donatell will return as defensive coordinator for the 2023 season. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. Is there a chance to add somebody maybe with different skill sets? Justin Jeffersons superstar turn. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. O'Connell and the Rams are coming off a victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. How long does he meet that threshold? Adofo-Mensah was hired on Jan. 26, 2022 and O'Connell was named head coach on Feb. 16 after the Rams beat the Bengals in the Super Bowl. "But I wouldn't say that we're that established, 'there' team because we haven't shown it yet. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. On Tuesday, Adofo-Mensah explained that Cousins camp wants certainty if he is to sign a new deal, while the Vikings seek flexibility. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. 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. Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. Before the Super Bowl, Thielen said onESPNsFirst Take, I want to retire a Viking. The Carlsbad, California, native and his wife, Leah, have two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and a daughter, Quinn. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings 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. O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012, to serve as an emergency back-up in the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller announcing his retirement from the league. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. 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. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities., "I feel better than I ever have about our chances moving forward." On third-and-8, for example, the Vikings personnel options were limited. 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. Sure, it may not be good as a fresh bowl of General Tsaos Chicken, but it beats not having Chinese food at all. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. OConnell explained Wednesday that that process ranged from reviewing game-management decisions to gauging his teams success in various schemes and plays. Looking back on Vikings history, they have stumbled trying to find a franchise quarterback. Brad Childress urged Minnesota to draft Tarvaris Jackson upon his arrival in the 2006, and then recruited Brett Favre as an act of desperation to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 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) How do you build the rest of the team? Adofo-Mensah asked. 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.. 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.". With Robert Quinn, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward still on the board, the Vikings decided to get their guy Christian Ponder. O'Connell compared Cousins to Matthew Stafford, calling each an "elite thrower," via Tomasson (on Twitter ). While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. 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. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 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. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 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.. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. 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. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! 1. Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had a career years in 2021. OConnell said he values the way the aforementioned players embraced his hiring last year and appreciates the way they helped bring about an entirely new culture. They needed more receivers on the field. 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.. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, and The Doors (the band). Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. The assessments of inherited players were made a year ago through film study and advanced metrics. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. "Now, we've got to all the last phase of that is the accountability to each other, to make sure that that standard is championship worthy, and we're putting ourselves in that conversation to a man and to a woman in this building that we're looking at each other and asking ourselves the question, 'With everything we do, is it championship worthy? 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. 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. 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.
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