The Minnesota Vikings have an intriguing decision on Adam Thielens future with the franchise, a team that has employed him since 2013. The home runs and long ones are great, but as a play caller, Id love to be second-and-5. During the 2009 preseason, O'Connell was claimed by the Detroit Lions and was then later traded to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick. But its hard not to wonder what would have happened if he looked ahead, saw Andrew Luck on the horizon and just rode the corpse of Donovan McNabb to the finish line to select Luck, Russell Wilson, or Cousins (!!!) So how will he balance the desire to maximize the benefits of the culture, keep the players who helped him implement it and improve on last season while dealing with the facts of life in a salary cap league? Maybe its not even for any one particular year.. "This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell spoke at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, March 1, and he shed a little bit of light on what the team's goals are for the offseason. As we did on Tuesday with Vikings general manager Kwesi. OConnell, though, sounded committed to making it work. Heck, it was even over 70 degrees outside. Meetings with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski have helped OConnell in this regard. Despite entering the league three years after Stafford, Cousins is also going into his age-34 season. He also writes for Bring Me The News and The Viking Age and hosts The Homer Horn Podcast. One of the last times I spoke with you [after roster reductions to 53], I was up here, and I think someone told me my appearance was a little more dour than it normally is and that was because that was two emotional days of having to tell people no and having to say, 'Your dream is stopped for the day.' He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. "We are ecstatic to add Kevin as our head coach," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. He played one season for the Patriots behind QB Matt Cassel following a season-ending injury to QB Tom Brady. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. But the things we did accomplish, I think, were incredibly impactful. [4][5] At SDSU, where he was a four-year team captain, he started 21 games, the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks; in 2007 he led the team in rushing yards. Armando Salguero: Kevin O'Connell Believes Vikings Are Really - OutKick NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. A lot of guys come in here and say they want to start in the NFL on Day 1. 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. Thats the byproduct of trying to do things the way we do. On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. If not, they could ride Cousins another year and try their luck to acquire their guy in 2024. Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell Head Coach - Minnesota Vikings [14] He was later released again on July 29, 2011.[15]. Following his All-Pro wideout's 1,809-yard, 128-catch, eight-touchdown campaign, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell believes Jefferson can soar even higher. He was also born in Minnesota. On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3. Spielman tried his hand at it, scouting Carson Strong and praising Malik Willis response to an overrated chant one year ago. None of that means anything for what we do moving forward if we dont grow and evolve and change in a good capacity, OConnell said. [24] In O'Connell's second season with the Rams, their offense ranked 2nd best in receiving touchdowns (41), 5th highest in total yards (4,893), 8th best in total touchdowns (63), and the team won Super Bowl LVI (defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 2320). Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson is "fired up" to work with Washington's new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Expects Kirk Cousins Back In 2022 Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. Linebacker Eric Kendricks referred to a fear-based culture in a conference call after the former HC and GM were let go and players acknowledged meeting with ownership in which they asked for improvements in the overall environment. ", "We've shown that we have a culture and an ability to do those things at a really high level," Adofo-Mensah said. If you tell me Im second-and-5, here we go. Before his NFL career ended in 2012, O'Connell spent time with the Miami Dolphins, a second-stint with the Jets and the San Diego Chargers. Cousins' 4,093 passing yards marked his third-consecutive 4,000-yard passing season, helping him become the 11th quarterback in NFL history to accomplish this feat. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022. The 2020 Rams offense featured the 10th-ranked rushing attack, posting 126.1 yards per game on the ground, behind two 600-plus rushing seasons from RB Cam Akers and RB Darrell Henderson. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. "Reflecting on what we were able to accomplish as a football team an NFC North title and 13 wins it goes beyond that. The Carlsbad, California, native and his wife, Leah, have two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and a daughter, Quinn. The riser was lower than the previous stage, but the team they've led for about a year has been elevated from an 8-9 squad to one that won 13 games for the third time within a Vikings season. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. I think we laid a foundation for where we want to go. . During the 2018 season, O'Connell was tasked with getting three different quarterbacks (Josh Johnson, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez) up to speed following a devastating injury to starting QB Alex Smith. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. Sep 9 2010 Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ) Aug 31 2010 Waived by New York (NYJ) Sep 6 2009 Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick. Jefferson's 4,825 career yards are the most in NFL history for a receiver in the first three years of a career. View images from the Vikings locker room at TCO Performance Center on Monday as players cleaned out their lockers at the end of the 2022-23 season. Browse our online application for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, EPL, or MLS player contracts, salaries, transactions, and more. The more I can learn about details and particulars of our current situation, previous situations and what it looks like moving forward, OConnell said, the more my conversations can not only come from an accurate place of where we are but where we hope to get to.. The more I can educate myself, learning about the details and particulars of our current situation, our previous situation, and obviously what it looks like moving forward, the more my conversations can be not only from an accurate place of where we are at this moment but where we hope to get to, OConnell said. Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. An NFLPA survey showed the Vikings as the best team for players in the league, bringing evidence that the changes they promised worked out, gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. The last remaining head coach opening in the NFL has been filled. The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. And its even stronger now, OConnell said. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, wife Leah welcome fourth child 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. 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). When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State. Different quarterbacks require different things around them but we know for sure that [Cousins] meets that threshold. 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. Since O'Connell became an offensive coordinator in 2019, he has coached one Super Bowl MVP (Kupp), two Pro Bowlers (G Brandon Scherff and Kupp), one All-Pro (Kupp) and one PFWA All-Rookie Team member (McLaurin). Login Here. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. Jul 21 2008 Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE) OConnell continued, Adam is one of those leaders that I speak of. I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. Quarterback Mike White said he'd like to return to the New York Jets, but knows it might not happen as he heads toward free agency. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time. The survey of more than 1,300 players that looked at numerous aspects of an organization from facilities to treatment of families to training staff gave the Vikings the highest grade of any team in the NFL. Weve got some real decisions to talk through and things to work through, OConnell said. Sometimes how you have to reinvent yourself week in and week out, OConnell said. OConnell also referenced fair compensation for his players at the NFL Combine, perhaps a nod to Thielens current contract and how it fits within Minnesotas free-agent navigability. He categorized the current state of rushing in the NFL into three separate strategies: deploying a running quarterback, operating in the run-pass option world, and going the traditional route with run-pass deception from under center. [29]. They needed more receivers on the field. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions. pic.twitter.com/WKHqPZU8ea, Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 1, 2023. Right comes along. And I also want my opportunity to show that I can play at a high level. The Vikings are coming off a 13-win season, but also a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. Is there a chance to add somebody maybe with different skill sets? Kevin O'Connell: Vikings have 'some real decisions' ahead to get under salary cap By Alec Lewis Mar 1, 2023 14 INDIANAPOLIS Following his news conference Wednesday afternoon at the NFL. No cards were shown when OConnell was asked about Flores and the cornerback position as it pertains to the draft but it would appear that Flores will be looking for players with flexibility, whether thats in terms of position or skill set. Teams that typically played with one-high safety against most opponents often utilized two-high safeties against the Vikings. View photos of new Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in photos from his time with the Rams. "That's what led to a historic number of one-score games and so that's probably been the hardest job is adjusting to those things. Pelissero noted that Brown, who interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coaching position, is considered a "rising assistant" and is a candidate to replace O'Connell in Los Angeles. O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. I just watch the way he carries himself every single day and week. 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. The Vikings announced their agreement in principle with Cousins on a one-year contract extension Sunday the latest high-leverage deal that Cousins has successfully bet on himself with and the clearest sign yet that the Vikings aren . 1. Its not always easy to maintain that, but I will never change from that because I just believe thats the way youre supposed to operate.. Quarterbacks are never far from OConnells mind. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. That OConnell even cited this statistic demonstrates the team is thinking about how to fully maximize its offense. converting part of right tackle Brian O'Neill's base salary to a signing bonus. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Similarly to his GM one day earlier, the Vikings head coach couldnt make a strong statement about what the future would hold at QB. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have only held their posts for a year, but they deserve the faith of the Vikings community. Florida's Anthony Richardson, one of the draft's most intriguing QB prospects, told reporters on Friday that in high school he modeled his game after two notable passers: Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. He later reiterated his own self reflection following the season, saying there were a lot of phases looking at everything from how game-management and play-calling tie together to how they handle all the aspects of players schedules to the scheme. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. I believe in him as a player.. Just scratching the surface with #18 pic.twitter.com/MpWlPV7MoN, And then, ultimately, OConnell said, youve got to ask: How do we use that information to our advantage moving forward?. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. There was a mixed reaction to that pick. They were together in Washington and grew their connection this season as the veteran QB led eight game-winning drives, won the division for the first time since arriving in Minnesota and put together one of his best games in the playoffs vs. the Giants. Since then, there have been postseason appearances after the 2012 (loss in Wild Card), 2015 (loss in Wild Card), 2017 (loss in NFC Championship), 2019 (loss in Divisional) and 2022 (loss in Wild Card) seasons. 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. Were in a position to do a lot of different things regardless of field position, score of the game, personnel groupings.. When you have the receiver that leads the league in yards and receptions and have three other guys with 60-plus, you feel really strongly about that group, and I still think that theres places to go where we can build upon it even more, OConnell mentioned about Justin Jefferson and his wide receiving corps. One thing I know, [Cousins] is good enough. Were going to continue to take a look at whats the best route to go moving forward in that room, as are all the other rooms. Facebook Twitter Thielen will turn 33 this summer and incur a $19.9 million cap hit against the Vikings salary cap. Understanding the goals of culture and the goals of building up through our leadership and setting a foundation and platform for every individual in this building to feel like they can thrive and grow and eventually reach their truest, highest potential. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Adofo-Mensah also stated that there are a lot of other factors to consider what type of quarterback the Vikings could be looking for. The Vikings tried to identify another quarterback when trading up for Teddy Bridgewater in 2014. Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell 'excited to coach' Kirk Cousins in 2022 O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. But the. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. 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. Here are five takeaways from the conversation, beginning with OConnells thoughts on the free-agent decisions and potential cuts that will be made in the next couple of weeks. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities.. That was somebody that was as important as anybody for me to bring to this organization I didnt know there was going to be a survey, it didnt matter to me, but I knew what that would look like with Tyler, Kwesi and myself and how we build things.. The idea. It's supposed to sting.' [27][28] O'Connell's Vikings hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). Theres a reason why I feel so strongly about Kirk, OConnell said. 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. As he reviewed the way defenses matched up against his team, OConnell noticed a trend. While OConnell answered gracefully about his colleague, it was a reminder that they didnt finish the year with a deep playoff run. While some coaches chose not to attend this years combine, OConnell places considerable value on meeting players in person. Vikings' offseason roster decisions will be difficult, but team leaders Senior Editor. O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah have emphasized collaboration throughout their first year together, and the first-time head coach picked up where the first-time GM left off: "As I told our team it's supposed to sting. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, The Sopranos, and The Doors (the band). Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. ", "Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. To provide the premier place to go to work and improve both personally and collectively as a team in our league means a lot to us, OConnell said. I think theres a conversation to be had to really see what that looks like: playing time and roles and responsibilities., "I feel better than I ever have about our chances moving forward." One of those decisions involves quarterback Kirk Cousins. But Minnesota watched as Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Blaine Gabbert flew off the board. Try a week on us. His teammates voted him as a captain for what he means not only to our organization but the Twin Cities. Schad covers the Minnesota Vikings for Zone Coverage. We're still feeling that here, but I will say that hurt, that sting, that will drive us. Minnesotas approach to their franchise quarterback seems much more scientific. Those are all questions we got to answer. Vikings Players Close Out Season with Locker Room Clean Out. The Minnesota Vikings finalized their hiring of head coach Kevin O'Connell on Wednesday, completing a sharp offseason shift in direction by turning over the team to the 36-year-old. However, neither seem like a good option now. O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los A. In the early 1990s, Dennis Green used a revolving quarterback carousel that featured Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Jeff George. So have expectations going forward, until "someday" can become "the day.". O'Connell and the Rams are coming. [3] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. How OConnell and the front office maneuver through these personnel decisions to counteract the way defenses have played them could well become a key story in 2023. On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season. O'Connell was instrumental in aiding mid-season free agent signee WR Odell Beckham, Jr., to five receiving touchdowns in eight games played with the team, the most since his 2018 season with theNew York Giants. Kevin O'Connell Offensive Scheme Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, Kevin O'Connell has been chosen to become head coach of the Minnesota Vikings officially after the Super Bowl on February 13, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Those are things we got to answer. "I feel like that foundation's in place. His team won 13 games and the NFLPA just said his teams culture was the best in the league. Kevin O'Connell Salary, Net Worth, Offensive Scheme - ABTC Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. 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. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 237. And trading him post June 1 would save the team $35 million of that against their cap. The Minnesota Vikings have committed to quarterback Kirk Cousins for the next two seasons, banking on further improvement under new head coach Kevin O'Connell. [2] At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. He called conversations ongoing about Cousinss future. So theres not one right way.. Kevin O'Connell Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries We haven't shown our ability to come in year-in, year-out and do those things. O'Connell's NFL coaching career began in 2015; he held various assistant coaching roles on the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams (where he won Super Bowl LVI, as offensive coordinator, in the 20212022 season). These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. Its just not possible when sitting $24 million over the cap (per OverTheCap.com) to bring all the veterans back. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Since the start of 2019, Thielen ranks fifth in the NFL in touchdown receptions (36), trailing only Davante Adams (48), Mike Evans (41), Tyreek Hill (38), and Travis Kelce (37). "One of them said that she had been a long-time Vikings fan and always felt let down, and this team felt different to her," Adofo-Mensah said. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. Sure, it may not be good as a fresh bowl of General Tsaos Chicken, but it beats not having Chinese food at all. If they want a quarterback in this draft, they seem willing to find a way to get them. O'Connell played quarterback at San Diego State University, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Partnered with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group|Powered by, Signed a 1 year contract with Miami (MIA), Resigned a 2 year $1.25 million contract with New York (NYJ), Traded to NYJ from Detroit for a conditional draft pick, Signed a 4 year $2.46 million contract with New England (NE), Drafted by New England (NE): Round 3 (#94 overall).
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