As the NFL coaching carousel begins to spin, speculation has emerged regarding teams looking to trade for Minnesota Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell. According to the analyst Jay Glazer“several teams” are apparently considering making a move for O’Connell, especially with his contract set to expire after the 2025 season.
Why all this buzz?
O’Connell quickly proved himself to be one of the best coaching minds in the league. In just three seasons, he has accumulated a 34-16 recordpositioning the Vikings as a consistent contender for the playoffs. With his offensive acumen and ability to build a winning culture, it’s no wonder other teams are intrigued.
Glazer explained the reason on FOX Sunday :
“Next year is the last year of his contract, and they haven’t had any contract discussions yet. If you have a team there, why not give it a shot? Maybe the Vikings won’t let that happen, but Kevin O’Connell kinda holds the cards. »
O’Connell’s situation is unique, as most franchises would secure a coach of his caliber with a long-term contract before his contract enters its final year. This perceived “openness” gave some teams the audacity to consider an unlikely trade.
The Viking Perspective
Despite the chatter, the Vikings have made it clear they are committed to O’Connell and the general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The owner Mark Wilf recently told Star Tribune that both men are part of the franchise’s long-term plans, with discussions of contract extensions expected after the end of the season.
With the Vikings in the midst of a playoff race, the team’s leadership appears fully aligned with keeping O’Connell at the helm.
How Does a Coach Exchange Work?
While rare, trading an NFL head coach is not unprecedented. THE Tampa Bay Buccaneers famously traded for Jon Gruden in 2002, giving up several draft picks to acquire then-Raiders coach. Similar exchanges have taken place in the past with Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick. However, these agreements typically occur when there is mutual dissatisfaction between the coach and the organization—not when the coach is thriving.
Little Chance of an Agreement
O’Connell’s departure from Minnesota seems unlikely for several reasons:
- Victory Record: Coaches with O’Connell’s success are hard to find, and the Vikings would likely demand a huge return in return.
- Organizational Stability: The Wilf family has consistently shown patience and loyalty to its staff, and O’Connell has delivered results.
- Ongoing Contract Negotiations: With extension talks on the horizon, it’s unlikely the Vikings will even consider offers.
Verdict: “It Never Hurts to Try”
The idea of trading for Kevin O’Connell may seem tempting to NFL teams desperate to find a coach who can turn the franchise around. However, the chances of this happening are slim. O’Connell is firmly entrenched in Minnesota’s plans, and any request will likely be met with a polite “no” or the abrupt sound of a phone being hung up.
For now, Vikings fans can rest easy knowing their coach isn’t going anywhere. But as Glazer said: It never hurts to try.
