The 2024 season for the Minnesota Vikings could have gone any way imaginable. From being projected to earn the top pick in the draft to winning 14 games is quite a stretch to overcome.
This season went well, and on Thursday night, the NFL recognized it by naming Kevin O’Connell the league’s coach of the year.
O’Connell did more than just win games. He had players at nearly every position have breakout years or overall productive ones. The biggest indication of how well he coached was what he was able to achieve for and with Sam Darnold.
The veteran quarterback went from journeyman to MVP candidate. The coaching job has Darnold set to be paid handsomely, and O’Connell is now in Minnesota for the long haul.
The Vikings coach beat out Lions coach Dan Campbell by 78 voting points for the award.
KOach of the Year!! pic.twitter.com/DzAk4HZH2o
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 7, 2025