The Minnesota Vikings are using excessive on a spectacular nine-game profitable streak as they put together to face the Detroit Lions at Ford Subject subsequent weekend.
The stakes couldn’t be larger – each the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed within the NFC are on the road.
Amid this outstanding run, head coach Kevin O’Connell has emerged as a frontrunner for Coach of the Yr honors.
Whereas O’Connell stays targeted on the group’s success quite than particular person accolades, his impression hasn’t gone unnoticed throughout the NFL.
Former NFL security Louis Riddick was so impressed with O’Connell’s teaching prowess that he couldn’t include his enthusiasm throughout Sunday’s Packers-Vikings matchup.
Riddick declared on social media whereas the sport was nonetheless in progress:
“Kevin O’Connell on one other stage proper now. Simply give him the COY,” he tweeted.
Kevin O’Connell on one other stage proper now. Simply give him the COY.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 29, 2024
The Vikings’ success this season stems largely from the rock-solid tradition O’Connell has cultivated within the locker room.
His management type has fostered a group setting the place gamers exude confidence whereas staying grounded and placing the group first.
O’Connell’s methodical method was evident from the beginning – from rigorously choosing a quarterback within the draft to dedicating the offseason to getting ready him and easily transitioning to a brand new starter.
Even when the group hit a tough patch with consecutive losses after a blazing 5-0 begin, O’Connell’s regular hand saved the ship heading in the right direction.
Now, the Vikings stand on the doorstep of claiming the NFC North crown.
No matter how their playoff journey unfolds, O’Connell’s emphasis on group chemistry has positioned the Vikings as respectable Tremendous Bowl contenders – a imaginative and prescient he held even when others doubted.
This transformation alone makes him a compelling candidate for Coach of the Yr honors.
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