How Old Is Minnesota Vikings Head Coach
Kevin O’Connell, the current head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, was born on May 25, 1985, making him 38 years old. He is one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL, second only to Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams. O’Connell has had a successful career both as a player and a coach in the NFL, and he brings a fresh perspective and forward-thinking approach to the Vikings.
Kevin O’Connell’s Playing Career
Before becoming a coach, Kevin O’Connell had a successful playing career in the NFL. He played quarterback at San Diego State University, where he served as a four-year team captain. O’Connell’s impressive skills caught the attention of the New England Patriots, who selected him in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
During his playing career, O’Connell had the opportunity to showcase his talent with several teams in the NFL. In addition to the Patriots, he also played for the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers. Although his playing time in the NFL was limited, O’Connell’s dedication and hard work shone through on the field.
While his overall NFL statistics may not be particularly eye-catching, O’Connell showed promise during his limited opportunities. He completed four out of six pass attempts, resulting in a completion percentage of 66.7%. His passer rating stood at 73.6, reflecting his ability to make accurate throws under pressure.
Despite transitioning into coaching, Kevin O’Connell’s playing career provided him with invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the game. This unique perspective has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a coach in the NFL.
Kevin O’Connell’s Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Kevin O’Connell embarked on a successful coaching career in the NFL. He made his debut as the quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2015, where he honed his skills in player development and game strategies. His stint with the Browns allowed him to work closely with talented quarterbacks and gain valuable experience in coaching.
Seeking new challenges and opportunities, O’Connell then joined the San Francisco 49ers as a member of their offensive staff. This role provided him with a broader perspective on offensive schemes and game planning. O’Connell’s contributions to the 49ers’ offensive strategies helped the team achieve success on the field.
In 2017, O’Connell made his way to the Washington Redskins, where he initially served as the quarterbacks coach. His exceptional coaching skills and extensive knowledge of the game earned him a well-deserved promotion to the position of offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Redskins’ offense demonstrated notable improvement and effectiveness.
O’Connell’s expertise and reputation in the league continued to grow, leading him to the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. As the team’s offensive coordinator, he played a pivotal role in their journey to Super Bowl LVI. O’Connell’s ability to strategize and adapt to different situations was instrumental in the Rams’ championship-winning season.
Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings
In February 2022, Kevin O’Connell was hired as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, marking his second season with the team. O’Connell’s hiring was significant as it brought him back together with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom he had previously coached in Washington. This reunion has proven to be a successful partnership, with O’Connell leading the Vikings to impressive results.
In his first season as head coach, O’Connell guided the Vikings to a remarkable 13-4 record and secured the NFC North division title. This accomplishment showcased his strategic prowess and leadership abilities. Despite falling short in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the team’s overall performance speaks volumes about O’Connell’s coaching skills.
O’Connell’s coaching record is nothing short of impressive. Throughout his career, he has maintained a stellar regular season record of 20-13, demonstrating his ability to consistently bring out the best in his team. With his innovative approach and understanding of the game, O’Connell has solidified himself as a formidable force in the NFL coaching realm.
