The Minnesota Vikings’ head teaching state of affairs has taken an fascinating flip, with Kevin O’Connell making his stance crystal clear.
Whereas different NFL groups have proven curiosity in probably buying and selling for him, O’Connell stays dedicated to the Vikings group.
Since becoming a member of forces in 2022, O’Connell and common supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have guided the staff to a 34-17 report throughout their three seasons.
Each leaders signed four-year contracts after they got here aboard, and Vikings house owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf have chosen to carry off on additional extensions.
One insider lately make clear an intriguing improvement: A playoff loss that may drop O’Connell to 0-2 in postseason play might considerably influence upcoming talks with possession.
“Playoff video games have main results on optics, on narratives, on legacies, issues that house owners weigh after they’re making choices about who to pay going into the longer term,” Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune mentioned, through The Purple Persuasion. “… If Kevin O’Connell goes into discussions with the Wilfs, which they’re going to have after the season, 0-2 within the playoffs, I believe that’s a distinct dialogue than, ‘Hey, y’all haven’t received a number of playoff video games round right here.’”
Per @BenGoessling through @AccessVikings, if the #Vikings lose and drop to 0-2 within the playoffs underneath HC Kevin O’Connell, this might have monetary implications in extension talks between possession and O’Connell at seasons finish 👀
“However the factor I might say is, playoff video games have… pic.twitter.com/BLljy2SrBU
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 10, 2025
With out a new deal, O’Connell would hit the teaching market after the 2025 season.
FOX Sports activities lately reported that a number of NFL groups are monitoring the state of affairs, able to pursue a commerce if the Vikings make him obtainable.
Nevertheless, staff sources emphasised that the Wilfs haven’t any intention of letting their head coach go away.
O’Connell bolstered this place main as much as the wild-card recreation towards the Los Angeles Rams, making it clear he’s not seeking to pressure an exit.
The large query now looms: Might a postseason elimination actually complicate O’Connell’s future contract negotiations with the Vikings?
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