Vikings plan Kevin O’Connell reveal amidst coaching restructure

| March 6, 2022 | | No Comments

Minnesota Vikings are understood to have reached an agreement with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell for him to become their head coach.

O’Connell was understood to have been one of four candidates that the Vikings were looking at, which included O’Connell’s fellow Rams defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris, former New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.

It is expected that O’Connell will take tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Wes Phillips with him from the Rams, to become his offensive coordinator or passing game coordinator, while Rams running back coach Thomas Brown could interview for the offensive coordinator job.

Kevin O'Connell - LA Rams - Minnesota Vikings

Winning team to inspire playoff surge?

Should O’Connell bring a number of Rams’ personnel with him, it could help to transform the Vikings’ fortunes and spark a run in the playoffs, after missing out again last season for the second consecutive year, with an 8-9 record.

O’Connell’s work as offensive coordinator with the Rams helped to turn them into a formidable force at the business end of the field and the Vikings will be hoping that he brings this expertise with him to Minnesota.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, he was on the east coast with the Washington Redskins, while he has also had spells at the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns. During  his playing career as a quarterback, he played for a number of franchises, including the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers.

Should the draft go favorably for the Vikings and O’Connell and his team are able to work effectively, we could see a significant improvement from the Vikings next season, who could become one of the sides to watch in the NFL.