Green Bay Packers: Division Rival Signs 3rd-Year Head Coach to Multi-Year Extension

It has been a busy two weeks for the HR departments of the Green Bay Packers‘ NFC North rivals. One day after Chicago hired Lions coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach, the Minnesota Vikings have inked Kevin O’Connell to a contract extension, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Over three seasons, O’Connell has led the team to a 34-17 record, including 14-3 in 2024 and 13-4 in the Vikings’ division-winning 2022 campaign, his first as head coach. In the playoffs, however, Minnesota has lost in the Wild Card Round both times. This season saw an embarrassing 31-9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams.

Apparently, the front office remains confident that O’Connell is the man for the job.

Kevin O’Connell Has Started His Tenure Strong for the Minnesota Vikings

Owner and team president Mark Wilf issued a glowing statement following the news:

Kevin is exactly who we believed him to be when we named him as our head coach – an innovative play caller, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players. He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success, and he will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”

Even with a disappointing 2023 season, doomed by a season-ending achilles injury to then-QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota’s record during O’Connell’s tenure has produced the best winning percentage of any three-year period since 2015-2017 under Mike Zimmer (32-16, also 66.7%). The franchise hasn’t had a better three-season stretch since 1998-2000 (36-12).

Along with the Lions, the Vikings make the second NFC North team without a Super Bowl ring, though they have been to four. Their last appearance came in 1976. The last time they reached the conference championship, in 2017, the Eagles destroyed them 38-7.

“Pursuing a championship” should be high on the list of Wilf’s priorities for his starved fanbase.