Kevin O’Connell ‘s abilities made him a standout in the NFL as a highly effective quarterback coach. Yet now, with the Minnesota Vikings trying to juggle competing for championships and developing a young quarterback, the tension is clear.

As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert observed, “The Vikings’ two goals are competing for championships and developing a young quarterback, which is cannibalizing each other.”

Kevin O’Connell built a coaching reputation first as a play-caller, then as a head coach because of his influence on signal-callers. However, his relationship with J.J. McCarthy appears to be waning in 2025. What was effective in the past is no longer successful.

Before taking over as the Vikings’ head coach in 2022, O’Connell cemented his reputation as a quarterback-focused play-caller,

See Full Page