"I feel like that foundation's in place. In addition to helping QB Jared Goff to his fourth consecutive season with at least 3,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2020, O'Connell prepared QB John Wolford for a win-and-in game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17, helping him pass for 231 yards and rush for 56 more in his NFL debut, while leading the Rams to a 18-7 victory and a playoff berth. The offensive line's sack rate, 4.5%, was the fifth-lowest in the NFL over the past two years. 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. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Vikings plan on interviewing Rams assistant head coach/running backs coach Thomas Brown for their offensive coordinator position under O'Connell. On Wednesday, OConnell said hes hoping that their shared experience in 2022 will help both sides satisfy their needs. All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, OConnell said. Brad Childress urged Minnesota to draft Tarvaris Jackson upon his arrival in the 2006, and then recruited Brett Favre as an act of desperation to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game. Kevin is currently the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and his salary is $84 million for three years. So, ultimately, we didn't accomplish the goals we wanted to accomplish, and I always want to be respectful of that. While OConnell answered gracefully about his colleague, it was a reminder that they didnt finish the year with a deep playoff run. O'Connell, who led the Rams to finish ninth in total offense (372.1 yards per game) this season, helped his unit rank second in plays of 50-plus yards (10), fourth in yards per play (5.98) and eighth in offensive touchdowns (51) in 2021. The assessments of inherited players were made a year ago through film study and advanced metrics. 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. OConnell did note that safety Lewis Cine was ahead of schedule in his rehab from a severe leg injury suffered in London last season and that Cine has been at TCO Performance Center making regular stop-ins to his office. O'Connell is the son of a former FBI agent. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. "I think we showed a building full of people, players, coaches, staff, ownership group, this guy next to me, would have the ability to be their best when their best is required. A significant part of the positive culture was OConnell and Cousins working together in lockstep. 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! We want to be there consistently with the chance to win it.". The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. In terms of the things that were different in 2022, the most noticeable were the approach to camp and preseason workloads, managing injuries and how players who were recovering from injuries were talked about publicly and the buy-in to quarterback Kirk Cousins. 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. If not, they have the luxury of having Cousins to buy more time. He also writes for Bring Me The News and The Viking Age and hosts The Homer Horn Podcast. O'Connell was asked today if Donatell will be back and didn't . If O'Connell's staff likes a prospect like USC's Caleb Williams . Ive been very honest about that. 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. 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. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. 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 also helped Vikings all-time leading rusher Adrian Peterson eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,040) at the age of 34. "We have to make sure we do it in an order that we can do it in given all the other decisions we have to make.". 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.' O'Connell joins the Vikings after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los A. The Minnesota Vikings announced Wednesday that Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell has been hired as the 10th head coach in franchise history. Anchored by T Andrew Whitworth, the oldest offensive lineman in the NFL, the Rams offensive line only allowed 56 sacks in the two years O'Connell was in Los Angeles, which was good for the seventh-fewest among NFL clubs. But even if he didnt injure his knee at Winter Park, its fair to wonder if he would have ever become the long-term franchise quarterback. To better myself and make sure I'm doing everything that I can in this role that I feel so lucky to have and also so prepared to have. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. It is something Ive thought a lot about.. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Jefferson's 4,825 career yards are the most in NFL history for a receiver in the first three years of a career. Adofo-Mensah had to explain how the Vikings, a team in salary cap hell, were going to shed salary while building off the team's first 13-win season since 2017. . 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). The Vikings were unable to officially announce that they were hiring O'Connell until after Los Angeles' playoff run came to an end. "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.". When Favre finally declined, the Vikings were in another spot of desperation to draft a quarterback in 2011. "He understands what is critical to leading a team that wins at the highest level, and he has an ability to simplify the complex, which will help us in problem-solving in all football areas. [17] He was released on August 12, 2012. Right. O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. 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. Kevin O'Connell, fresh off a Super Bowl victory as the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator, was introduced as the Minnesota Vikings next head coach on Thursday, and the big takeaway from . And none of the endings feature everyone who was around last year. Sometimes how you have to reinvent yourself week in and week out, OConnell said. 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. [10], He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.[11]. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. There also were road losses at Detroit and Green Bay after the calendar flipped to December. "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. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah noted Tuesday that inking the wideout to a new contract is a "high priority. 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. Is it to that line?' Jan 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM. But even if they do like mayo in their coffee, it seems like OConnell is bringing a thorough evaluation process to find their guy. "I came from a business where your job is to not be emotional and if you make emotional decisions, you typically make bad decisions. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson put on a show Saturday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, making history during his highly anticipated workout. But this regime doesnt seem to be looking for a quarterback, theyre looking for the quarterback. Player development at every position is very, very important, OConnell said. Prior to joining the Rams, O'Connell worked in Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017-18 and the offensive coordinator in 2019. And its even stronger now, OConnell said. In July 2017, Kirk Cousins became the first quarterback to play under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. Its a path that could eventually lead to another extension for Cousins, but the Vikings are doing their diligence to find Mr. 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. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience. A year later, they have far more expertise of the Vikings' roster. But it was part of the process to find a long-term solution. The numbers bear out OConnells observation. But I did want to take the time to reflect and to move forward in the right way," O'Connell said. "And then, sure enough, she ended up in the same place. Harrison Smith stats (2021): 73% completion % allowed, 98.7 QB rating allowed Already a projected $14 million over the 2022 NFL salary cap, the Vikings need to clear a ton of room. 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. The third strategy is the one the Vikings currently employ, and it may be the option with the least room for error. 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. The Vikings left the Zimmer-Spielman era in desperate need of improved morale. He spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. The day the Vikings introduced defensive coordinator Brian Flores, OConnell mentioned the thorough self-evaluation process that took place when the season ended. Some would take this as a sign the Vikings are ready to move on. O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.[16]. 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. Even if the Vikings agree to a long-term extension, they seem to be willing to wait until their version of Mr. To say I'm excited about coaching Justin for a really long time is an understatement.". In other words, hes going to look in the store window at this years draft class because he always does, whether he is shopping or not. Eagan, Minn. (February 15, 2022) - The Minnesota Vikings have named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history. 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.. Youve got to ask yourself the question: Why?. 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. View photos of new Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in photos from his time with the Rams. The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year winner, Jefferson dominated opponents, generating 10 games over the 100-yard mark in O'Connell's first season in Minnesota. O'Connell, 36, was a third-round pick . Having been on the visitors' sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium and experiencing that environment as an opposing coach, I am excited to now have the support of these passionate Vikings fans. 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. The Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard if the two sides cannot reach a long-term deal before March 7's deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. He said it's between a startup and one with an ability to earn, adding "in our business, earning is wins. Were going to continue to look at whats the best route to go moving forward (with Thielen), OConnell said. Minnesota Vikings new head coach Kevin O'Connell takes over a club that missed the postseason the past two seasons with losing records and hasn't won the NFC North since 2017. Part of the reason for this is that the Vikings were still recovering from the Herschel Walker trade. At first, Adofo-Mensah makes it sound like Cousins is the NFLs version of microwaving Chinese leftovers at midnight. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. I think that's where we want to go eventually," Adofo-Mensah continued. O'Connell is the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, so he can't officially become the Vikings' new head coach until after the Super Bowl. Facebook Twitter Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. We laugh. The process was complicated by the lack of free agency and offseason movement due to the NFLs player lockout.
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