The Associated Press announced finalists for its eight NFL awards on Thursday. A few Minnesota Vikings coaches are included after leading the team to a surprise 14-3 record in 2024.
As expected, Kevin O’Connell is among five finalists for the 2024 AP Coach Of the Year award. The third-year head coach helped Sam Darnold revitalize his career and had the Vikings one win away from winning the NFC North and hold the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
This is the second time O’Connell has been a finalist for the award. He was a finalist in 2022 after leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record in his first season. However, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll won the award after a 9-8 record in his first season.
Brian Flores is among five 2024 Assistant Coach Of the Year Award finalists. The Vikings defense was one of the league’s best, ranking fifth in points allowed and leading the league with 24 interceptions. This was done with talented but new starters across the defense.
The award winners will be announced on Feb. 6 during the 14th annual NFL Honors ceremony. FOX and NFL Network will air the event live at 9 PM ET.