Kevin O’Connell Sends Strong Message to Sean McVay Ahead of….
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is preparing for a unique challenge as he faces his former mentor, Sean McVay, in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Although O’Connell and McVay share a close friendship, having worked together in Los Angeles for two years, O’Connell knows that only one of them will advance after their Monday night showdown in Arizona.
O’Connell served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl-winning season, helping McVay’s team reach the pinnacle of NFL success. Their time together forged a strong bond, with O’Connell frequently praising McVay as one of his closest friends. However, O’Connell made it clear that there’s no room for sentimentality now as the Vikings pursue their own postseason aspirations. In a recent interview, he reflected on his time in Los Angeles, recalling the players and staff he worked with, including stars like Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, as well as McVay. Despite the personal connections, O’Connell emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand when the game begins.
McVay, still one of the youngest and most influential coaches in the league, has influenced a wide range of NFL coaching careers, including O’Connell’s. Since becoming head coach of the Vikings, O’Connell has applied many of McVay’s offensive strategies, such as using pre-snap motion and RPOs, but he’s also ensured the Vikings have developed their own identity. O’Connell stressed the importance of staying authentic to oneself as a coach, which is key to leading a team. Although he continues to draw inspiration from McVay, he has cultivated his own approach to the game with the Vikings, focusing on leadership and authenticity.
The 2025 season has been a breakout year for the Vikings, especially quarterback Sam Darnold, who is enjoying his best season to date. Darnold, thrust into the starting role after an injury to J.J. McCarthy, has exceeded expectations with 35 touchdown passes. O’Connell is proud of Darnold’s development, seeing it as a testament to the team’s dedication and vision. Darnold’s success is one of many bright spots for the Vikings this season.
The Vikings finished with a 14-3 record, which mirrors their 13-4 finish from two years ago. However, this year’s team has demonstrated greater consistency and dominance, boasting a +100 point differential, compared to their negative point differential two years ago. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson believes this year’s team is better than the one that fell short in the playoffs two years ago, citing improved team chemistry and more decisive victories.
As the Vikings prepare to take on the Rams, O’Connell and his team are focused on proving they are a more complete squad than in years past. The Wild Card game will be a true test of their resolve, with the Vikings slightly favored to come out on top in a tightly contested matchup.