Kevin O'Connell's impressive coaching performance with the Vikings has made him the betting favorite to win the NFL's Coach of the Year award. His leadership has led to the team exceeding expectations and the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has become the betting favorite to win the NFL 's coach of the year award. He surpassed the Lions' Dan Campbell in recent days and currently has +110 odds to win at both DraftKings and FanDuel. Campbell remains a strong contender in second place. The Broncos' Sean Payton and the Commanders' Dan Quinn round out the top four. On Monday night, the Vikings and Lions are tied atop the NFC North at 12-2.
Detroit currently holds the tiebreaker thanks to its 31-29 victory over Minnesota in Week 7, but the winner of the division — and perhaps the coach of the year award — could be determined by the result of their rematch at Ford Field in Week 18. What O'Connell has accomplished this year has been remarkable. The Vikings entered the season with extremely low expectations; their preseason win total was set at just 6.5. They had a difficult summer, including the loss of rookie QB J.J. McCarthy for the season with a knee injury. And yet, they have won. The Vikings surpassed 6.5 wins in early November and have won at least 12 of their first 14 games for the first time since 1998 and just the second time since 1975. The most impressive aspect of O'Connell's coaching this year has been the turnaround of Sam Darnold's career. The former top pick and draft bust has had a remarkable breakout year at age 27, on his fourth NFL team. Monday night wasn't Darnold's sharpest game of the season, but he still ranks fourth in passer rating, fifth in passing touchdowns, and sixth in passing yards with three weeks to play. It's clear to anyone who follows the Vikings that O'Connell's coaching excellence extends beyond his work with quarterbacks. He's great at devising game plans and calling plays on offense, and he's also a great leader. His relationships with players are genuine, which makes him a head coach that they want to play for and play well for
NFL Coach Of The Year Kevin O'connell Vikings Sam Darnold
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