Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was named Coach of the Year on Thursday at NFL Honors.
O’Connell beat out the Detroit Lions’ Dan Campbell, the Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton, the Washington Commanders’ Dan Quinn, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid for the prestigious award.
The 39-year-old is the first Vikings coach to receive the award since Bud Grant in 1969. With what he managed to do with Sam Darnold this year, this does not come as a surprise.
He earned 361 points from voters, with Campbell finishing in second place with 283 points and Reid garnering 119, according to The Associated Press.
O’Connell led the Vikings to a 14-3 mark in 2024. He oversaw an offense that was powered by a breakout season from quarterback Sam Darnold, while the defense ranked fifth in points allowed (19.5 per game).
Minnesota’s 14 wins were also the club’s most since going 15-1 in 1998.
Kevin O’Connell is the first Vikings coach to lead the franchise to multiple seasons of 13 or more wins. He has produced a 34-17 record since taking the job in 2022.
Minnesota’s season finished in Wildcard playoff defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, which has now caused questions as to what to do at the quarterback position.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler
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