The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 18 with a chance to clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the 2025 NFL Playoffs.
However, to do so, they will need to overcome their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.
No one predicted the Vikings would be in this position heading into the 2024 NFL season, as the team saw massive change at the quarterback position.
Not only did Kirk Cousins leave in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons, but Minnesota also lost rookie J.J. McCarthy to a knee injury.
Sam Darnold was elevated to starting quarterback, and his career year put the Vikings in a position to earn a first-round bye in the postseason.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has been lauded for his work with Darnold and the offense and should be in line for a contract extension.
However, several teams are looking to make a run at acquiring O’Connell via trade via Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
“Sunday scoopage: surprise candidate on multiple team’s coaching candidates lists: Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. He has one year remaining on his deal after the season and a few teams have an interest in possibly trying to TRADE for him,” O’Connell reported.
Sunday scoopage: surprise candidate on multiple team’s coaching candidates
lists: Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. He has one year remaining on his deal after the season and a few teams have an interest in possibly trying to TRADE for him. @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/TipEYM6FF6— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 5, 2025
Trading for an NFL head coach is rare, though the most recent instance with Sean Payton shows it’s not impossible.
Given his success with the Vikings, O’Connell deserves to be paid much more.
The franchise should seriously consider extending him before more teams begin to seek his services.
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