Let’s get something out in the open.
As the Vikings continue to prove they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Kevin O’Connell deserves to be at the top of the list of candidates for NFL Coach of the Year.
Few expected much from the Vikings when they returned to the TCO Performance Center this summer.
Las Vegas bettors certainly didn’t take the Vikings seriously at the time, considering they pegged their line at 6½ wins. Only the Carolina Panthers with 5½ wins, the Denver Broncos with 5½ wins and the New England Patriots with 4½ wins had lower projections.
This is a good starting point to make the case for O’Connell when it comes to being the NFL Coach of the Year. Not only have the Vikings already cleared their number, but they completely blew it with an 11-2 record under their belt.
Perhaps the biggest reason for this success is the confidence O’Connell has instilled in this particular group of players.
He made it clear in training camp that he thought the Vikings had the potential to do something special. The fact that he stayed true to his beliefs has made them all the more influential now that the Vikings have established themselves as one of the best teams in the league.
As impressive as the Vikings have been overall, no one has been more impressive than quarterback Sam Darnold. That’s something else O’Connell has worked in his favor when it comes to becoming NFL Coach of the Year.
Although much of the credit goes to Darnold, who has played better than almost everyone over the past month, O’Connell has fostered an environment that has allowed Darnold to completely revitalize his career.
After signing as a bridge quarterback, Darnold looks more like a franchise quarterback. The relationship O’Connell forged with Darnold over time provided him with the platform to teach the technique and fundamentals needed to be successful, while also allowing them to grow together.
This cannot be overstated.
A perfect example of this occurred Sunday afternoon at US Bank Stadium when the Vikings ran away with a 42-21 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Darnold was filled with cheers after completing 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and 5 touchdowns and O’Connell beamed with pride as he soaked in the moment.
There is certainly a long list of candidates worthy of consideration for NFL Coach of the Year. There’s a case to be made for the tremendous work Dan Quinn did with the Washington Commanders, the way Mike Tomlin once again got the most out of his Pittsburgh Steelers, and the culture Jim Harbaugh brought to the Los Angeles Chargers .
There’s also an argument to be made for Dan Campbell, given that he has the Detroit Lions atop the NFC, as well as Andy Reid, who has the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC.
But no one has exceeded expectations like O’Connell has so far this season, and no other coach has demonstrated the ability to hold the most important job in sports.
His resume speaks for itself and if the Vikings continue to thrive, O’Connell should be the NFL’s Coach of the Year.
