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NFL Announces Big Kevin O'Connell News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 11:10 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings shocked the NFL landscape during the 2024 season, ending the year with a 14-3 record.

Despite the Vikings falling to the Los Angeles Rams 27-9 in the Wild Card Round, Minnesota had a successful year, playing behind quarterback Sam Darnold.

In Darnold's first year with the Vikings, he posted 35 touchdowns and 4,319 yards with a 66.2 completion percentage.

The Vikings were led by head coach Kevin O'Connell.

After a solid year for Minnesota, the NFL announced that O'Connell has been named the Coach of the Year, honoring the Vikings head coach in his third season with the organization.

KOC is the COTY. #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/OLeI2orB8I
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2025

O'Connell won the Coach of the Year award over finalists, Dan Campbell ( Detroit Lions), Sean Payton (Denver Broncos), Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs) and Dan Quinn (Washington Commanders).

According to Coral Smith, O'Connell received 25 first-place votes with Campbell finishing second in the MVP race.

O'Connell has been with the Vikings since the 2022 season. In his first year with the organization he led Minnesota to a 13-4 record. The following year, in 2023, the Vikings had a down year with a 7-10 finish.

The 14-3 finish for the Vikings in 2024 marked the second-most wins in franchise history. Minnesota's best season came in 1998, capping off the year with a 15-1 record.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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