NFL Fans React To The Kevin O'Connell Trade Rumors Sunday
NFL teams could try to take a big swing for Kevin O'Connell this offseason.
On Sunday, FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer said "multiple teams" may attempt to acquire O'Connell from the Minnesota Vikings. The organization hasn't begun talks to extend the head coach, who has one more year under contract following the 2024 season.
Most observers still think it's a longshot for the Vikings to let O'Connell slip away after a tremendous year.
"There's no way the Vikings would do that, would they?" sports anchor Steve Layman wondered.
"Can someone explain to me why the Vikings would even think about trading Kevin O'Connell?" a fan asked.
"This has to be from O'Connell's agent saying, 'Hey, time to get our guy the bag!'" John Miller of NBC 26 News speculated.
"Vikings will extend him, but doesn't hurt to shoot your shot, I guess," a fan wrote.
"If I am a team like the Patriots, I am offering at least two 1st round picks," a fan said.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
O'Connell led the Vikings to 13 wins in his first year as head coach in 2022. He's topped that tally with 14 victories entering a Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions for the NFC North and conference's No. 1 seed.
The Vikings have won nine straight games behind Sam Darnold, who's amassed 35 passing touchdowns in a breakout year. They've also allowed the league's fourth-fewest points behind defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
O'Connell would probably lock down Coach of the Year if the Vikings beat the Lions on Sunday night, and he could remain a front-runner even if they lose. It seems highly unlikely the Vikings want him to leave under any circumstances.
One would think offseason extension talks are far more probable than a trade. Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf recently told The Minnesota Tribune's Ben Goessling that they plan to discuss new deals with O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
"We're looking forward to a great future with these guys," Wilf said. "We look forward to having those conversations with each of them after the season. We have tremendous confidence, and we look forward to their continued leadership of the franchise."
