Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on trade speculation: ‘This is where I want to be’
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on Monday addressed trade speculation that was brought up by FOX insider Jay Glazyer on Sunday, and O’Connell said exactly what you would expect him to say.
Glazer reported on FOX NFL Sunday ahead of the noon slate of games that multiple teams would be inquiring with the Vikings about trading for O’Connell.
"I’m not really interested in addressing the rumors or speculation. What I can tell you is I love this team, I love everything about this organization and this is where I want to be. This is where I want to keep coaching and leading," O’Connell said.
That came a day after the Vikings lost 31-9 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, squandering a chance to win the NFC North, get the No. 1 seed and home field for the NFC Playoffs.
O’Connell’s future
Why it matters: O’Connell is now 34-18 with the Vikings in 52 games, and won the NFC North title in his first season. He’s under contract through the 2025 season, and the Vikings ‘ ownership group will likely have extension talks with O’Connell after this season. The Wilf family did not have contract talks after O’Connell and the Vikings went 7-10 last season and missed the playoffs, wanting to see how the 2024 season played out.
What’s next
What we know: The Vikings dropped to the No. 5 seed with Sunday night’s loss to the Lions. They’ll head west to face the L.A. Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs on Jan. 13, Monday Night Football. The Rams are the only other team the Vikings have lost to this season. The Rams beat the Vikings 30-20 in Week 8 on Thursday Night Football.
O’Connell says his sole focus is on the playoffs.
"Any conversations, in my opinion, at this point that really aren’t about the Rams and the task at hand, my personal responsibility to lead immediate improvement off yesterday but also capitalize on the opportunity of being in the tournament, is my sole focus at this point," O’Connell said.