From backup quarterback to a Super Bowl-winning coach, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell’s rise through the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. Now, with a new contract extension that makes him one of the league’s highest-paid head coaches, O’Connell’s journey continues to turn heads.
How Much Is Kevin O’Connell’s New Contract?
On his new deal, O’Connell went from earning $5 million annually to $12 million per year. According to Charley Walters of Pioneer Press, he is rumored to be on a five-year, $60 million contract. If true, that means O’Connell would be the eighth-highest-paid coach in the NFL (tied with Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh).
O’Connell would be making more than Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Buffalo Bills HC Sean McDermott, and the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur.
The seven head coaches earning more than O’Connell are reportedly the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid ($20 million), Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton ($18 million), Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin ($16 million), Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh ($16 million), Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay ($15 million), San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan ($14 million), and the Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson ($13 million).
How Did O’Connell Become the Vikings’ Head Coach?
Before entering the coaching ranks, O’Connell had already left his mark as a standout quarterback at San Diego State, where he threw for 7,689 yards and 46 touchdowns — both among the school’s all-time best.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2008, O’Connell’s playing career didn’t bring much glory, with stops on practice squads for the Lions, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Chargers. But the end of his playing days marked the beginning of something bigger.
O’Connell’s coaching career began modestly as the Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach in 2015. Over the next few years, he climbed the ladder with stops in San Francisco and Washington before joining the Rams as the offensive coordinator in 2020.
It was there, guiding one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, that O’Connell’s reputation took off. His leadership helped propel the Rams to a Super Bowl title in 2021, making him one of the league’s most sought-after coaching candidates.
O’Connell’s Past With the Vikings
When the Vikings came calling in 2022, O’Connell brought his winning pedigree to Minnesota, and it didn’t take long to see results.
In his first year as the Vikings’ HC, O’Connell guided the team to a remarkable 13-4 record, clinching the NFC North title for the first time since 2017. Minnesota looked poised for a deep postseason run but fell short in a close Wild Card matchup against the New York Giants, losing 31-24. Despite the early playoff exit, the season was a resounding success, setting high expectations for the franchise.
The 2023 season, however, brought new challenges. Minnesota stumbled to a 7-10 record, finishing third in the NFC North. Injuries, roster adjustments, and a tougher schedule exposed weaknesses the team struggled to overcome. For O’Connell, the season was a learning experience as he worked to retool the roster and develop the next wave of contributors.
Fast forward to 2024, and O’Connell’s Vikings showed they were back on track. A resurgent 14-3 campaign earned Minnesota second place in the NFC North and another postseason berth. The team’s offensive firepower and improved consistency were on full display throughout the season. However, for the second time in three years, their playoff journey ended prematurely in the Wild Card round.
O’Connell’s climb from backup quarterback to one of the NFL’s highest-paid head coaches is a story of grit, innovation, and quiet defiance of expectations. Though the playoffs have been an elusive hurdle, his knack for reinvention and delivering results in the face of adversity has earned him an extensive contract.
With a fresh contract and a franchise hungry for glory, O’Connell’s mission is simple yet profound: deliver the Lombardi Trophy to Minnesota.
