Let’s get something out in the open.

As the Vikings continue to prove themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Kevin O’Connell deserves to be atop the list of candidates for NFL Coach of the Year.

Not many people were expecting much out of the Vikings when they arrived back at TCO Performance Center over the summer.

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas certainly weren’t taking the Vikings seriously at the time, given that they set that their line at 6½ wins. Only the Carolina Panthers with 5½ wins, the Denver Broncos with 5½ wins, and the New England Patriots with 4½ wins had lower projections.

That’s a good starting point when making a case for O’Connell when it comes to being NFL Coach of the Year. Not only have the Vikings already cleared their number, they have completely blown it out of the water with an 11-2 record to their name.

Maybe the biggest reason for that success is the confidence O’Connell has instilled in this particular group of players.

He made it clear back in training camp that he believed the Vikings had the potential to do something special. The fact that he has remained steadfast in his belief has made those that much more impactful now that the Vikings have established themselves among the best teams in the league.

As impressive as the Vikings have been in the aggregate, however, nobody has been more impressive than quarterback Sam Darnold. That’s something else O’Connell has working in his favor when it comes to being coach of the year.

Though a lot of the credit should go to Darnold, who has gone out and played better than almost everybody over the past month, O’Connell has fostered an environment that has allowed Darnold to completely revitalize his career.

After signing as a bridge quarterback, Darnold has looked more like a franchise quarterback. The relationship that O’Connell has forged with Darnold along the way has provided him the platform to teach the technique and fundamentals needed to succeed, while also allowing space for both of them to grow together.

That can’t be overstated.

A perfect example of that came on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium when the Vikings ran away with a 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons. You had Darnold getting showered with cheers after he completed 22 of 28 passes for 347 yards and five touchdowns and O’Connell beaming with pride as he soaked in the moment.

There are certainly a long list of candidates deserving of consideration for NFL Coach of the Year. An argument can be made for the tremendous job Dan Quinn has done with the Washington Commanders, the way Mike Tomlin has again gotten the most out of his Pittsburgh Steelers, and the culture Jim Harbaugh has brought to the Los Angeles Chargers.

There’s also an argument to be made for Dan Campbell, considering he has the Detroit Lions sitting atop the NFC, as well as Andy Reid, who has the Kansas City Chiefs sitting atop the AFC.

But nobody has exceeded expectations in the way O’Connell has so far this season, nor has any other coach showcased the ability to connect with most important position in sports.

His resume speaks for itself, and if the Vikings continue to thrive, O’Connell should be the NFL Coach of the Year.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings with his family before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium on Dec. 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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