All articles tagged with #kevin oconnell
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell privately told Anthony Richardson in 2024 that he would “play a long time in this league,” a message tied to Richardson’s uneven development after a rookie season with 4 starts, 11 starts in 2024, and 2 appearances in 2025 before a season-ending eye injury; the Colts have considered a trade as Richardson remains under contract through 2026 with a $23.5 million guaranteed fifth-year option in 2027.
The Minnesota Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, raising questions about J.J. McCarthy’s future since Adofo-Mensah was his strongest advocate and Minnesota traded up to draft him at No. 10 in 2024. With head coach Kevin O’Connell backing McCarthy as the quarterback of the future, internal tensions and rumors of a backup plan suggest McCarthy could be moved or superseded as the organization retools.
The Minnesota Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after a 9-8 season, saying the decision was methodical and rooted in his body of work. Rob Brzezinski will lead the front office going forward, with a thorough post-draft search planned for a replacement, and coach Kevin O’Connell expected to have strong input. The move comes amid questions about drafting misses, including the J.J. McCarthy pick and a 2022 Jameson Williams trade, as the team aims to recalibrate its personnel strategy.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says he has a lot of confidence the team will retain defensive coordinator Brian Flores amid market interest, including a Ravens head‑coach interview; Flores is weighing options, while GM Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah stresses Flores’s unique value and the urgency to keep him, suggesting a potential raise or a return to a top role if the fit is right.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell praised J.J. McCarthy’s progress in his 10 starts and emphasized the need for a deep, competitive quarterback room in 2026 to accelerate his development, with plans to challenge him with peers like Max Brosmer and optimize mechanics, progression reads, and decision-making to keep playoff aspirations alive.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy showed improvement throughout his first season as a starter despite injuries, and head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed confidence in his continued development and future with the team, while also considering offseason upgrades.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expressed strong support for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, highlighting their positive relationship and Flores' valuable contributions. The team is optimistic about Flores' future with the Vikings, despite potential coaching carousel moves, and is focused on finishing the season strong with key player updates and impressive performances from undrafted rookie Myles Price and quarterback Max Brosmer.
J.J. McCarthy defied coach Kevin O’Connell's orders by doing the 'Griddy' dance after scoring a touchdown, leading to mixed reactions; while he enjoyed expressing himself, the Vikings' season was already over, and the coach was less amused, emphasizing authenticity and focus on improvement.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy scored a touchdown and celebrated prematurely, earning praise from coach Kevin O'Connell but also a reminder to be more coachable, as the team won but was already out of playoff contention.
The Minnesota Vikings suffered a historic 2007-like shutout loss to the Seahawks, marking a low point in their season with offensive struggles, injuries, and a 4-8 record, prompting coach Kevin O'Connell to consider simplifying their game plan to regain consistency.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed disappointment after a 26-0 loss to the Seahawks, citing offensive struggles, key injuries, and a costly 4th and 1 play that led to a pick-six. He provided updates on J.J. McCarthy's concussion protocol and explained the decision to inactive veteran receiver Thielen, emphasizing the team's focus on improving performance and game strategy.
The Vikings are 8.5-point underdogs against the Lions, marking their largest spread under coach Kevin O'Connell, due to recent struggles and a series of losses, especially against Detroit, with the game expected to be competitive depending on McCarthy's performance and defensive efforts.
The Vikings face a turbulent period with Carson Wentz's season-ending injury, prompting J.J. McCarthy's return and raising questions about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's draft strategy, coaching decisions, and team future prospects amid a 3-4 record and trade deadline considerations.
Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz, despite an injury and visible discomfort, was kept in the game by coach Kevin O'Connell due to his confidence in Wentz's ability to play through pain, while considering the risks of substituting rookie Max Brosmer, who was later brought in during the game. Wentz maintained his performance was unaffected by his injury, and the team is hopeful for J.J. McCarthy's return in Week 9.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has not revealed the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Eagles, citing ongoing practices and evaluations of J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz, both of whom are dealing with injuries. The decision is expected to be announced after the team's practice sessions, with O'Connell emphasizing the importance of practice performance and health in the decision-making process.