The Minnesota Vikings revealed today that they have finalized a multi-year contract extension with Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
“Kevin is precisely who we thought he was when we appointed him as our head coach – a creative play caller, a superb communicator, and a solid leader who inspires and engages with his players,” stated Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “He has contributed to creating a culture that prepares us for ongoing success, and he will maintain the benchmark we require as we strive for a championship for Vikings supporters.”
O’Connell, boasting a regular season record of 34-17 (.667), is the inaugural head coach in Vikings history to achieve multiple 13-win seasons (13 in ‘22, 14 in ‘24), accomplishing this in only three years in charge. He is merely the third head coach in NFL history to record multiple 13-win seasons during his first three years as head coach, joining a select group that features Matt LaFleur and George Seifert. Furthermore, O’Connell partnered with Seifert as only the second head coach since 1950 to record multiple 13-win seasons within three years using different starting quarterbacks, accomplishing this with Kirk Cousins in 2022 and Sam Darnold in 2024 (Seifert had 14 wins with Joe Montana in 1990 and Steve Young in 1992).
“It’s undeniable that this team is heading in the right direction with Kevin at the helm,” stated Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “His genuine nature, enthusiasm, and uplifting spirit, paired with his remarkable comprehension of the game, have contributed to the achievements we’ve seen over the last three years and will serve as fundamental elements for future growth.”
In 2024, O’Connell made history as the fastest head coach of the franchise to achieve 30 wins, accomplishing this feat in only 46 games, surpassing Dennis Green, who needed 48 games for the same milestone. Hall of Famer Bud Grant achieved it in 50 games, Jerry Burns in 51, and Mike Zimmer in 54. Among current head coaches, O’Connell’s .667 winning rate over his initial three regular seasons ranks fourth alongside John Harbaugh (2008-10) and Nick Sirianni (2021-23), lagging behind only LaFleur (.796, 2019-21), Jim Harbaugh (.760, 2011-13), and Sean McVay (.688, 2017-19).
“It is a tremendous privilege to keep guiding the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Connell remarked. “Occupying this esteemed role is something I always appreciate, and I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Wilf family for their constant faith in our shared vision.” I also wish to express my gratitude to Leah and our amazing children; their love and encouragement enable me to excel in this role. And all of this would not be achievable without the commitment of our coaches, players, and support staff. I’m eager to return to working with everyone as we keep enhancing the high standard we’ve established and the positive atmosphere we’ve fostered.
To fans of the Vikings, you are the greatest in the NFL. There is no greater pleasure than guiding our team before you every Sunday and feeling the home field advantage you establish. I’m excited for the years to come and will keep giving you all I can as we strive for a Super Bowl for the state of Minnesota.”
In 2022, Kevin O’Connell, in his inaugural season as head coach, led the Vikings to their first NFC North championship since 2017, achieving a 13-4 record. This marked the highest number of victories by a first-year head coach in the franchise’s history and made him only the sixth first-year head coach in NFL history to secure at least 13 wins. Minnesota completed the regular season with an 11-0 record in one-score games after posting a 5-8 mark in similar scenarios during the 2021 season. In 2022, the Vikings saw seven players receive NFC Player of the Week recognition under O’Connell, a record for a first-year head coach in the team’s history.
In 2023, although the Vikings dealt with four starting quarterbacks throughout the season, they ended up fifth in the league for passing yards per game (256.4) and were the sole team to have three players exceed 900 receiving yards – WR Justin Jefferson (1,074 yards), TE T.J. Hockenson (960), and rookie WR Jordan Addison (911).
In the 2024 season, O’Connell guided the Vikings to a record of 14-3, marking the second-highest number of wins in a single season in the franchise’s history, surpassed only by the 15-win season of 1998. His squad achieved a nine-game winning streak from Week 9 through Week 17, matching the third-longest win streak in the franchise’s history. O’Connell guided the Vikings to rank ninth in scoring (25.4 points per game) and seventh in passing offense (237.8 yards per game), achieving their second playoff appearance under his leadership. In 2024, Minnesota recorded a 9-1 record in one-possession games, ranking as the second-best in the league, just behind the Kansas City Chiefs (11-0). O’Connell, with a record of 26-9 in one-possession games as a head coach, has the second-highest winning percentage (.743) in NFL history for one-score games (minimum 25 games). Only Hall of Fame Head Coach Guy Chamberlin (.759, 22-7-7) has a superior record.
Under O’Connell’s guidance, seventh-year QB Sam Darnold became the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve 14 victories in his inaugural season with a team since at least 1950 when QB starts began being recorded. In 2024, he experienced the finest season of his career, receiving his first Pro Bowl selection while establishing new personal bests in almost every passing statistic and ranking fifth in the NFL for passing yards (4,319), fifth in passing touchdowns (35), and sixth in passer rating (102.5).
WR Justin Jefferson has thrived with O’Connell, earning two Associated Press First-Team All-Pro selections (2022, 2024) in just three years. Jefferson earned the AP Offensive Player of the Year title in 2022, having led the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards, making him the youngest player ever in NFL history and the first Viking to top the league in both stats.
