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Kevin O’Connell is staying in Minnesota.
The Vikings head coach reached an agreement on a multi-year extension with the franchise, the team announced Tuesday.
“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,” Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in a statement. “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.”
Before the deal, O’Connell was set to enter the final year of his contract with Minnesota in 2025 and even found himself in surprising trade rumors ahead of the NFL playoffs.
“It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell said in the team’s press release. “… To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL. There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you each Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. I’m thrilled for the years ahead.”
O’Connell, 39, has gone 34-17 during the regular season over three years as head coach of the Vikings, making the playoff twice and falling in the wild-card round.
This season, the Vikings went 14-3, falling short of earning a first-round bye after losing to the Lions on the last day of the regular season.
The Vikings were upset by the Rams in Minnesota a week later, losing 27-9 and ending their season.
Minnesota is also working on a new deal for its general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Vikings’ next big decision will come at the quarterback position this offseason when the team chooses between potentially re-signing Sam Darnold or giving the job to J.J. McCarthy, who missed the entire season due to a knee injury after the team took him with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
