Its even stronger now. 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. $36.25 million against its salary . Also, by disabling these cookies you will also disable banner ads served by Google Adsense on this website.. For more information about these items, view our complete privacy policy.Read More. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". Under the guidance of O'Connell, Rams QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp both had a career years in 2021. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. As he reviewed the way defenses matched up against his team, OConnell noticed a trend. 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. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. "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.". 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. If Levis or Richardson is the type of quarterback that answers those questions, the Vikings will likely do their best to move up. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. "Like [O'Connell] said in his final meeting, 'It's supposed to hurt. Whatever the plan, timing is everything for the Vikings. O'Connell also helped Vikings all-time leading rusher Adrian Peterson eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,040) at the age of 34. "As crazy as this sounds, leading the league in yards and receptions, I think he and I have just scratched the surface of where we want to go as an offense, particularly with him as our premier receiver," O'Connell said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. We laugh. Teams that typically played with one-high safety against most opponents often utilized two-high safeties against the Vikings. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. Kupp's wide receiver Triple Crown in 2021, which he won after leading the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16), joined him with WR Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers, 1990), WR Sterling Sharpe (Green Bay Packers, 1992) and WR Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers, 2005) as the only players since the 1970 merger to achieve this feat. My main goal was to connect with (Cousins) and build on a relationship, OConnell said. A necessary condition is having a starter-level quarterback, Adofo-Mensah began. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. What he means to our league, how he carries himself, how he works every day. Under O'Connell, Rams quarterbacks have thrown for 1,517 passing yards (third in NFL), 11 touchdowns (fourth in NFL) and a 106.4 passer rating in playoff games (second in NFL). Kevin O'Connell Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries OConnell knows safety Harrison Smith has done much of the same. . Wanting to make those guys feel like their coach cares about them, both the person and the player, and their future, its real, OConnell said. The Vikings had several needs coming off a 15-win season in 1998. The idea. 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. 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. The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. But the. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. In addition to impacting the culture within the building through an emphasis on building connectivity across the roster, the Vikings installed O'Connell's offense with Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips, a defensive system led by Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell and changed their special teams under first-year coordinator Matt Daniels. The obvious answer? However, there is no mistaking the reality. Vikings to hire Kevin O'Connell after being turned down by Jim Harbaugh Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Top 10 Justin Jefferson plays | 2022 season, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah compares team building through draft vs. through free agency, trades. [25][26], On February 16, 2022, just three days after his Super Bowl LVI victory, O'Connell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th head coach in their franchise history. His net worth is somewhere between $30 million to $35 million. O'Connell also helped the Rams offense tie for seventh in scoring offense (27.1 points per game) and score on 45.9% of their offensive drives, which ranked third in the NFL behind the Kansas City Chiefs (48.2) and New England Patriots (48.0). How long does he meet that threshold? 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, a former backup NFL quarterback who spent time with five different teams, knows the business from a player's side and coach's side. But theres a foundation of care., OConnell said the conversations with Cousins are ongoing., Its not like theres some secret thing going on, OConnell said. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. With their limited salary cap . 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. And in 2022, Cousins is scheduled to cost the Vikings $45 million on their salary cap. 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. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. [But you] sit in exit meetings with players, and it becomes personal at that point," Adofo-Mensah said. . "One of my favorite players I've ever coached, I've told him that," O'Connell said of Jefferson. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. [4] He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, where he led the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and his wife Leah welcomed their fourth child to the family on Friday night, . Kevin O'Connell who is one of the richest football quarterbacks has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Kevin O'Connell declines to say if Ed Donatell will return as Vikings They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. "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? Login Here. 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. 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. 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. Quarterbacks are never far from OConnells mind. I believe in him as a player.. [How do you] round him to make sure that you can win that way? Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have only held their posts for a year, but they deserve the faith of the Vikings community. "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. Players cited the tight-knit nature of the locker room and their confidence during late-game situations as a result of the buildings updated vibes under OConnell. 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. 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. 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. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. Thats the byproduct of trying to do things the way we do. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. One thing he knows is that no matter how many As he got in a survey or wins he posted as a first-year coach, that doesnt mean they can do it all again the same way and get the same results. 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. But Kevin OConnells comments later in the week made it sound like something bigger was in the works. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. But the quarterback position, both the understanding of where that player truly is when you get a chance to start coaching him, and then what your plan is for that player moving forward.. He reiterated that he is proud of the way Cousins played in 2022 and is looking forward to seeing the 34-year-old build on things in 2023. 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. "Unbelievable talent. 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. To see the rest of the Kevin O'Connell's contract breakdowns, & gain access to all of Spotrac's Premium tools, sign up today. In 2019, O'Connell helped guide rookie WR Terry McLaurin to 58 receptions, 919 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards and touchdowns among rookies in franchise history. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the futures of Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. "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. Not only schematically, how people play against you, but the responsibility he has as a role model. "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. Sometimes how you have to reinvent yourself week in and week out, OConnell said. Asked about the Vikings long-term future at that position, OConnell said he surveys the landscape of the position each year out of habit. Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some would take this as a sign the Vikings are ready to move on. In his first season as the Vikings' coach, O'Connell has compiled a 6-1 record and the team has a 3.5-game lead in the NFC North entering Week 9. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. I believe in him as a player and was really proud of the way he played this year but we always have to be evaluating, he said. 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.. Armando Salguero: Kevin O'Connell Believes Vikings Are Really - OutKick O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. In July 2017, Kirk Cousins became the first quarterback to play under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. Vikings, Cousins agree to 1-year, $35M contract extension Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Kevin O'Connell Updates Adam Thielen's Status with Vikings On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022 Ive spent a lot of time with Rob [Brzezinski] and Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah], and well continue to do that in anticipation of being at a certain place by the league year like we need to be and then, How do we go forward building it from there?. Culpeppers injury took the Vikings into another dark period where they took a quarterback because they needed one. On Wednesday, OConnell said hes hoping that their shared experience in 2022 will help both sides satisfy their needs. Those are all questions we got to answer. None of that is to say OConnell is not evaluating quarterbacks in this years draft. Right. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. "He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. [2], O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O'Connell's culture is now quantifiable The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. The process was complicated by the lack of free agency and offseason movement due to the NFLs player lockout. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. Follow Alec on Twitter @alec_lewis. 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. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. There are times when hes mad and when Im mad. You do hope it was a perfect world where you can have everybody and have everybody finish their careers where they should and feel great about it, but its just so hard to do and still build for the future the way the rules are set up, OConnell said.
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