Kevin O'Connell Issues 1st Statement As Vikings' New Head Coach

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings Wednesday officially named Kevin O'Connell as the 10th head coach in franchise history.

"I greatly appreciate the Wilf family, Kwesi, and the entire Minnesota Vikings organization for providing the opportunity to be their head coach," O'Connell said in a statement.

"This is a franchise with a deep history and a tremendous fan base. Having been on the visitors' sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium and experiencing that environment as an opposing coach, I am excited to now have the support of these passionate Vikings fans. I am committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship."

O'Connell is coming to Minnesota after working as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, who won the Super Bowl on Sunday.

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"As I spent time with Kevin during the interview process, it became immediately clear he will be a great partner in building this football team for long-term success," said Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

"He understands what is critical to leading a team that wins at the highest level, and he has an ability to simplify the complex, which will help us in problem-solving in all football areas. He is a genuinely positive person who will help create a high-energy internal environment."

Before his time with the Rams, O'Connell was a member of the San Francisco 49ers' coaching staff, and his time there overlapped in 2016 with Adofo-Mensah.

"We are ecstatic to add Kevin as our head coach," said Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf. "He is a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator. Kevin played the game at all levels, which gives him a unique connection to players, and he is highly respected throughout the league. Vikings fans should be excited for the future of this team under Kevin's direction."

"Kevin is an impressive and respected leader who has been a part of some explosive offensive schemes," added co-owner Zygi Wilf.

"He has a tremendous football IQ and is passionate about preparing, developing and communicating with his players. Beyond the Xs and Os, everyone we spoke with throughout this search process spoke highly of Kevin's ability to motivate players, coaches and staff."

O'Connell graduated from San Diego State in December 2007 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Here is O'Connell's background:

NFL Career

• 2008 New England Patriots QB
• 2009 Detroit Lions QB
• 2009-10 New York Jets QB
• 2011 Miami Dolphins QB
• 2011 New York Jets QB
• 2012 San Diego Chargers QB

NFL Coaching Career:

• 2015 Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks Coach
• 2016 San Francisco 49ers (Special Projects)
• 2017 Washington Football Team Quarterbacks Coach
• 2018 Washington Football Team Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator
• 2019 Washington Football Team Offensive Coordinator
• 2020-21 Los Angeles Rams Offensive Coordinator