Kevin O’Connell Takes Lead in NFL Coach of the Year Race

Generally the two largest parameters to win a coach of the year award in any sport are success and uncertainty. You need to be both good and have a level of unexpectedness to that success. Welcome to the 2024 Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O’Connell is capturing both of those realities and he is now in the driver’s seat for the award.

Minnesota Vikings have a superstar on the sidelines in Kevin O’Connell

If there was a reason that Sam Darnold was going to work with the Minnesota Vikings it was because of the situation he was coming into. Sure, that includes having quality offensive weapons around him. It also includes a head coach that empowers him and is able to get the best from his skillset. Kevin O’Connell has been every bit of that guy.

Less than four full weeks into the 2024 NFL regular season the Minnesota Vikings head coach is the heavy favorite to win the NFL Coach of the Year . It’s an award O’Connell has yet to capture, but one he could achieve thanks to the Vikings improbable start.

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At 4-0, O’Connell has the Vikings in prime position to make the postseason. Oddsmakers didn’t expect them to be in this position, but they have substantiated the start on a weekly basis.

KOC can separate from competition next week

The Minnesota Vikings head to London this week for a date with the New York Jets. Robert Saleh is not among the betting favorite for coach of the year, but a win for O’Connell isn’t going to hurt his chances.

The Seattle Seahawks Mike Macdonald, and Washington Commanders Dan Quinn are the closest competition. Washington has started 3-1, but it’s the Seahawks that are on Minnesota’s schedule

The Detroit Lions may wind up giving Macdonald’s team their first loss on Monday night. Still, the Vikings have a direct opportunity for O’Connell to square off against Seattle as well. Minnesota heads to play the Seahawks on the road in Week 16 .

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That game may have sizable playoff implications, but would at the very least, give O’Connell a chance to best some of his closest competition. Nothing is going to stop O’Connell from winning the award if things keep going like this. Minnesota doesn’t have to remain undefeated, but they have been too good for their coach not to get recognition.

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