The Minnesota Vikings’ head coaching situation has taken an interesting turn, with Kevin O’Connell making his stance crystal clear.
While other NFL teams have shown interest in potentially trading for him, O’Connell remains committed to the Vikings organization.
Since joining forces in 2022, O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have guided the team to a 34-17 record across their three seasons.
Both leaders signed four-year contracts when they came aboard, and Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf have chosen to hold off on further extensions.
One insider recently shed light on an intriguing development: A playoff loss that would drop O’Connell to 0-2 in postseason play could significantly impact upcoming talks with ownership.
“Playoff games have major effects on optics, on narratives, on legacies, things that owners weigh when they’re making decisions about who to pay going into the future,” Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune said, via The Purple Persuasion. “… If Kevin O’Connell goes into discussions with the Wilfs, which they’re going to have after the season, 0-2 in the playoffs, I think that’s a different discussion than, ‘Hey, y’all haven’t won a lot of playoff games around here.’”
Per @BenGoessling via @AccessVikings, if the #Vikings lose and drop to 0-2 in the playoffs under HC Kevin O’Connell, this could have financial implications in extension talks between ownership and O’Connell at seasons end 👀
“But the thing I would say is, playoff games have… pic.twitter.com/BLljy2SrBU
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 10, 2025
Without a new deal, O’Connell would hit the coaching market after the 2025 season.
FOX Sports recently reported that multiple NFL teams are monitoring the situation, ready to pursue a trade if the Vikings make him available.
However, team sources emphasized that the Wilfs have no intention of letting their head coach leave.
O’Connell reinforced this position leading up to the wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams, making it clear he’s not looking to force an exit.
The big question now looms: Could a postseason elimination truly complicate O’Connell’s future contract negotiations with the Vikings?
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