After locking in head coach Kevin O’Connell with a lucrative contract extension, the Minnesota Vikings believe they have found the right leader to guide them forward.
Since taking over in 2022, O’Connell has quickly reshaped the team’s identity, bringing an innovative offensive approach and a player-friendly culture that has resonated deeply with his stars and maximized their talents on the field.
One of those stars is Justin Jefferson, the Vikings All-Pro wide receiver and one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL today. Now entering his third season under O’Connell, Jefferson made it clear just how much he values his head coach, both as a strategist and as a person.
Justin Jefferson Praises Kevin O’Connell: ‘He’s a Special Guy’
In an exclusive interview with PFSN and other media members present during a USAA event in New Orleans, Jefferson didn’t hold back in praising O’Connell, emphasizing how much he appreciates the Vikings head coach’s ability to connect with players.
“I mean, him as a person is something that’s very special, you know, him to be a coach that is just so laid back and just so cool. He’s definitely a player-friendly coach, and I’m just so grateful to be around him.
“Being with him for three years now, it’s something special, man. Just the way he comes to work, the way he interacts with his guys, the connection that he has throughout the entire year, I couldn’t say any bad things about him.”
JUSTIN JEFFERSON 97 YARD TUDDY!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/0PJs9mheCK
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
Under O’Connell’s guidance, Jefferson has crossed several milestones. During the 2024 season, including the playoffs, Jefferson recorded 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Beyond his leadership, O’Connell’s offensive system has also been a game-changer for Jefferson. As defenses continue to key in on the star receiver, O’Connell’s creativity has allowed him to remain dominant despite constant double and even triple teams.
Jefferson’s Evolving Role in a Dynamic Offense
Jefferson acknowledged the challenges of being a marked man on the field but credited O’Connell’s scheme for keeping him involved and effective.
“All of the double teams that I’m getting, all of the triple teams that I’m getting… if I’m gonna be stationary, then I’m not gonna get the ball, you know, that’s just what it is. Defenses are pretty much taking me out the game if I’m gonna be stationary.”
This is where O’Connell’s offensive philosophy has been a perfect fit for Jefferson’s skill set. Rather than simply lining him up in one spot and hoping for the best, the Vikings have made it a priority to move Jefferson around the formation, creating mismatches and forcing defenses into difficult situations.
“Moving around, putting me in the backfield, motioning me on the other side of the field—that’s all just, you know, making the defense think a little bit extra, having to communicate a little bit extra, and to get me on those mismatches that I need to be on to get the ball,” Jefferson said.
This approach has not only allowed Jefferson to maintain his elite production but has also opened up opportunities for other offensive players, such as Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and T.J. Hockenson.
With O’Connell now secured for the long haul and Jefferson continuing to be the focal point of the offense, the Vikings are positioning themselves for sustained success.
Where Does the Vikings Offense Rank in PFSN’s Offense+ Metric?
PFSN’s Offense+ Rankings combine statistics such as yards per play, points per drive, turnover percentage, success rate against the run and pass, third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency, pressure percentage when not blitzing, and various expected points added (EPA) measures against both the run and pass. These are then weighted accordingly to produce our rankings for each season.
The Vikings looked like an elite unit at their best but saved their worst for last. Minnesota’s 62.4 (D-) grade in their Wild Card loss to the Rams was the team’s second-worst in three seasons under Kevin O’Connell, as well as the worst of any team on Wild Card Weekend.
Sam Darnold may have self-destructed, but he certainly didn’t get any help from an offensive line that allowed a playoff record-tying eight sacks. Minnesota conceded its highest non-blitz pressure rate all season (51%), which was also the highest rate allowed this past weekend.
Regardless of Minnesota’s choice at quarterback for 2025, improving the offensive line remains a critical task. The Vikings ranked 22nd in non-blitz pressure rate during the regular season (34%). You can’t blame that solely on Christian Darrisaw’s absence either, as Minnesota also ranked 22nd in that category after Darrisaw’s season-ending injury in Week 8.
The Vikings were a Jekyll-and-Hyde act on offense throughout the regular season, and the worst version came to play in the playoffs. Minnesota’s quarterback choice looms as one of the toughest decisions facing any team this offseason.
Kevin O’Connell Named 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year
Jefferson’s comments come just days after O’Connell was named the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year after receiving 25 first-place votes and 361 points. Lions head coach Dan Campbell finished second with 19 first-place votes and 283 points.
O’Connell led the Vikings to a 14-3 mark and nearly secured the No. 1 seed — something that seemed impossible when they lost first-round pick J.J. McCarthy in training camp and had to turn to journeyman QB Sam Darnold.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God. I want to thank my family,” O’Connell said. “It all starts with my beautiful wife, Leah; you are my rock. You are everything to me, and you fuel everything that I’m able to do in this profession. Our four kids — Kaden, Quinn, Kolten and Callie — they couldn’t be here tonight, but they’re definitely watching in Minnesota.”
O’Connell emphasized that this is an organizational award.
“When I think about what this organization is for me and what it has been for me, it all starts with our people, and it all starts with our owners, Mark and Zygi Wilf,” he said. “What you guys have provided me, the opportunity to be the head coach of your organization, is one of the most special things, and I don’t take it for granted one day.
“To our players and coaches, this was a special year. This season was one I’ll always remember. A special football team. They came together in a way that I am so proud of. The culture, the team that you guys built is what this is all about. We’ve got great support staff in our building, difference makers. The way I look at it, they make us as the Minnesota Vikings so proud to go to work every day.
“And speaking of that, last but not least, our fans — the greatest fans in the National Football League,” he added. “Can’t wait to see you guys at U.S. Bank Stadium next year. SKOL, Vikings!”
