Report: Kevin O'Connell likely to receive extension that would 'nearly double his current salary'

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is set for a contract extension soon and Charlie Walters of the Pioneer Press reports that a new deal could "nearly double his salary" as the two sides head to the negotiating table.

Walters wrote in his Sunday column that it may be too soon for the Vikings to offer O'Connell a contract extension. Still, he could "nearly double his current salary, estimated at $5 million a year."

O'Connell is signed through the 2025 season but the Vikings have a good reason to extend him due to his work on the field. O'Connell has guided Minnesota to a 10-2 start for the second time in his three seasons with the Vikings and has the best record for a head coach in franchise history with a career record of 30-16 (.652 win percentage).

O'Connell is also attached to the present and future of the Vikings quarterback position. Sam Darnold is having a career year under O'Connell, throwing for 2,952 yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions after being labeled as a draft bust in failed stints with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.

Fellow draft bust Daniel Jones, who was released by the New York Giants, cited O'Connell and his staff as a key reason for signing with Minnesota this week and O'Connell has a key role in the development of Vikings' first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who is currently out for the season with a torn meniscus.

While Walters cautions that "anything can happen" with six games left in the regular season including five games against teams with winning records, he also notes that Tom Brady, who is a minority owner for the Las Vegas Raiders, could be interested in O'Connell if he becomes available.

In all likelihood, O'Connell and the Vikings will sit down to discuss an extension as the Vikings have traditionally extended coaches and front office personnel before the final year of their contract. With general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also set for an extension, the Vikings brain trust could be extended in the near future.