J.J. McCarthy’s former QB coach makes plea to Kevin O’Connell ahead of battle with Kyler Murray

The Minnesota Vikings have a fascinating battle on their hands.

2025 was nothing short of a disappointment for the Vikings, despite winning their final five games of the season.

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They missed out on the playoffs with an 9-8 record, and once again endured another quarterback carousel.

2024 first round pick J.J. McCarthy made unwanted NFL history after missing his entire rookie season, and while he did make it onto the field last year, the stats weren’t eye-catching.

In just 10 games, he posted 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, being sidelined throughout with multiple injuries.

McCarthy’s former QB coach has plea for Kevin O’Connell

This offseason, Minnesota signed Kyler Murray to a one-year deal following his release from the Arizona Cardinals after seven seasons.

Murray, the first overall pick for the Cards in 2019, went to the playoffs one time in his career and struggled to find his footing in Arizona.

Many believe Murray is the favorite to claim the starting dig, McCarthy’s former QB coach, Greg Holcomb, has urged head coach Kevin O’Connell not to give up on the 23-year-old.

“He’s played in basically about 10 games. I don’t think you can judge somebody by playing in only 10 games,” said Holcomb on the Vikings Playbook Podcast. 

“Me, personally, when I look at 2025, it was really his rookie year because he didn’t play the season prior because of the injury.

“I just don’t hit the panic button. There’s a lot of football for this guy to play.

“The unfortunate thing is we are in an era where patience is very thin. We’re so used to getting what we want right away.”

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McCarthy is still only in his early twenties, and no matter the result of the QB battle, his league story has not reached its conclusion yet.

He believes the success-story Minnesota had with Sam Darnold the year before they drafted McCarthy put too much pressure on him to perform immedietly.

“They anointed [McCarthy] almost like this person that would take them where Sam Darnold didn’t, through the playoffs and to a Super Bowl. But we gotta give him some time,” Holdcomb continued.

“I think it’s a really good thing that he’s gonna have competition at the quarterback position.

“He’s gonna be pushed by Kyler Murray, and he didn’t have that last season. I think it will be good for both of them.”

Vikings wont rush to name starting quarterback for 2026

Alongside Murray and McCarthy, the Vikings also re-upped Wentz for the 2026 season, but he is not expected to challenge for the starting role.

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Minnesota will begin their OTA’s at TCO Performance Center on Tuesday, 26 May, and the first hurdle will be crossed in the race to be named starter.

Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith openly said that they will not be naming a starter anytime soon.

“We’re building a foundation,” Smith said.

“To talk about positions, ultimately everyone here in this program is trying to get better than the year before.” 

“So to say where everyone is at–we are in phase 2, week 2. You wanna talk about stuff that is way down the road.

“I’m worried about making sure today was at the standard we at which we want to get it done to.”

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The battle in the Twin Cities promises to be one of the most paid attention to as the league season draws nearer.

Preseason games against the Giants, Ravens and Broncos may offer an additional clue, but all eyes are on the Week 1 opener against the Green Bay Packers as U.S.Bank Stadium.

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