The Minnesota Vikings are using excessive on a spectacular nine-game profitable streak as they put together to face the Detroit Lions at Ford Area subsequent weekend.
The stakes couldn’t be larger – each the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed within the NFC are on the road.
Amid this outstanding run, head coach Kevin O’Connell has emerged as a frontrunner for Coach of the 12 months honors.
Whereas O’Connell stays centered on the crew’s success fairly than particular person accolades, his affect hasn’t gone unnoticed throughout the NFL.
Former NFL security Louis Riddick was so impressed with O’Connell’s teaching prowess that he couldn’t comprise his enthusiasm throughout Sunday’s Packers-Vikings matchup.
Riddick declared on social media whereas the sport was nonetheless in progress:
“Kevin O’Connell on one other stage proper now. Simply give him the COY,” he tweeted.
Kevin O’Connell on one other stage proper now. Simply give him the COY.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 29, 2024
The Vikings’ success this season stems largely from the rock-solid tradition O’Connell has cultivated within the locker room.
His management model has fostered a crew surroundings the place gamers exude confidence whereas staying grounded and placing the crew first.
O’Connell’s methodical strategy was evident from the beginning – from rigorously choosing a quarterback within the draft to dedicating the offseason to making ready him and easily transitioning to a brand new starter.
Even when the crew hit a tough patch with consecutive losses after a blazing 5-0 begin, O’Connell’s regular hand saved the ship on track.
Now, the Vikings stand on the doorstep of claiming the NFC North crown.
No matter how their playoff journey unfolds, O’Connell’s emphasis on crew chemistry has positioned the Vikings as authentic Tremendous Bowl contenders – a imaginative and prescient he held even when others doubted.
This transformation alone makes him a compelling candidate for Coach of the 12 months honors.
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