The Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell have agreed a multi-year contract extension.
The Vikings are also negotiating an extension for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, according to reports. Like O’Connell, Adofo-Mensah signed a four-year deal when he was hired in 2022 and has one year left on his current contract.
Reports indicated that O’Connell was frustrated after the 2023 season when team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf decided against extending his contract, especially as the franchise prepared to transition to a new quarterback.
Multiple teams were reportedly ready to make trade offers if an agreement could not be reached.
However, O’Connell expressed his desire to remain with the Vikings, stating twice this month that he hoped to stay.
On Tuesday, O’Connell did not make a public appearance but issued a statement through the team, saying: “It is an absolute honor to continue leading the Minnesota Vikings. Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in what we are building together.”
OUR GUY‼️
We’ve agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension with Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
📰: https://t.co/IpmSNnpXlP pic.twitter.com/U4SPsKAmws
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 21, 2025
O’Connell, 39, joined the Vikings after serving as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator for two years.
His record as head coach stands at 34-17, with two play-off appearances. He is one of only three coaches in NFL history to achieve multiple 13-win seasons within their first three years, joining Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers and George Seifert of the San Francisco 49ers.
Unlike LaFleur and Seifert, who had Hall of Fame quarterbacks, O’Connell guided the Vikings to 13 wins in 2022 with Kirk Cousins and 14 wins in 2024 with Sam Darnold.
The team now looks to him to develop J.J. McCarthy, last year’s No.10 overall draft pick, as their long-term quarterback.
“Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach – an innovative playcaller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Mark Wilf added.
“He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
