GMFB: Kevin O’Connell Reacts To Winning AP NFL Coach of the Year

Kevin O’Connell Reacts to Winning AP NFL Coach of the Year Award

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was honored with the AP NFL Coach of the Year award, and he joined the Good Morning Football (GMFB) crew to share his thoughts on the prestigious recognition.

“I’m truly humbled to be receiving this award,” O’Connell said. “It’s an incredible honor, not just for me, but for our entire coaching staff, our players, and the entire Vikings organization.”

O’Connell, who just completed his second season as the Vikings’ head coach, led the team to a 13-4 record and an NFC North division title. He credited his players and staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

“This award is a reflection of the collective effort of our team,” O’Connell emphasized. “From the players to the coaches to the support staff, everyone played a crucial role in our success this season.”

When asked about his approach to coaching, O’Connell highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with his players and staff.

“For me, it’s all about connection and trust,” he explained. “I believe that when you have a strong connection with your players and staff, you can accomplish great things. We’ve worked hard to build a positive culture within our organization, and I think that’s a big reason why we were able to achieve the success we did this season.”

O’Connell also expressed his gratitude to the Vikings’ organization and the state of Minnesota for their support.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of this organization and to have the opportunity to coach in the state of Minnesota,” he said. “The support we receive from our fans and the community is incredible, and it’s a big reason why we’re able to do what we do.”

The AP NFL Coach of the Year award is the latest recognition of O’Connell’s outstanding coaching abilities. He joins an esteemed list of past winners, including legendary coaches like Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy, and Mike Tomlin.

As O’Connell looks ahead to the 2024 season, he’s already focused on building on the success of the previous year.

“We’re excited to get back to work and start preparing for next season,” he said. “We know that we have a lot of work to do, but we’re confident that we can build on the momentum we established this season and make another deep run in the playoffs.”