Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings are having a successful season, with a 14-2 record and a combined 34-16 record with him as head coach. However, O’Connell’s future with the team is uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract and has not had negotiations with the franchise about an extension. According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, multiple teams are considering making Minnesota a trade offer for O’Connell.
As O’Connell’s contract is set to expire, several teams with head-coaching vacancies are reportedly interested in acquiring him. The New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots are all looking for a new head coach. O’Connell has had success as a head coach, leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record in his first season and a 7-10 record in his second season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Vikings, O’Connell has had a positive impact on the team. He has helped to resurrect the career of quarterback Sam Darnold, who has thrown for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Darnold has completed 68.1% of his passes and has a 106.4 passer rating.
The Vikings have a crucial game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, with a win securing the NFC North division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. A loss would make the Vikings the No. 1 NFC wild-card seed. The outcome of this game will likely have a significant impact on O’Connell’s future with the team.
