NFL Rumors: Kevin O'Connell Not Expected to Be Traded amid Vikings Contract Talks

It doesn't look like Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is going anywhere.

O'Connell has one year remaining on his contract and rumors of "tension" between him and Vikings ownership made the idea of a trade possible. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show that he doesn't see a trade happening and imagines the two sides will find a way to agree on an extension.

"I don't see him getting traded," Schefter said. "I think that the Wilf family is going to want to hold onto him. He's going to be entering the last year of his deal. I think team's that have coaches who they have identified as their future don't typically let guys go into the last year of their deal so I would imagine in some point in the coming days, weeks, whatever it may be, that the Wilf family and Kevin O'Connell sit down and figure out an extension."

Schefter noted that the two sides didn't come to an agreement last offseason and that O'Connell's stock rose as a result of Minnesota's strong reason. However, he believes that the Vikings value the culture O'Connell has built and believes the 39-year-old will be rewarded.

He just finished his third season as the Vikings head coach and has compiled a 34-17 overall record. The Vikings went 14-3 in 2024, becoming the first 14-win Wild Card team in league history. Minnesota's 0-2 record in the postseason under O'Connell, including a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, puts some blemish on his resume but he still has built a promising base for the team.

He also helped revitalize quarterback Sam Darnold's career after the former No. 3 pick had a rough start to his NFL tenure. Darnold threw for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024 in what was clearly his best season as a professional.

Whether it is Darnold or second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center in 2025, the Vikings will likely have O'Connell running the show from the sidelines.