Kevin O’Connell has been involved in the NFL as a player and coach since 2008, when the New England Patriots drafted him. His greatest lessons have come through his coaching experiences.
A piece by Kevin Seifert of ESPN profiled Kevin O’Connell, the coach, and how his stops in his career have shaped his decision-making. The biggest decision he has looming over him right now is when he starts rookie J.J. McCarthy. It is not the first time O’Connell has been around a rookie quarterback who was drafted high but wasn’t ready for the spotlight to start as an NFL quarterback.
“McCarthy’s moment might not come as soon as the Vikings hope. O’Connell, scarred by Washington’s botched development of late quarterback prospect Dwayne Haskins during his tenure there as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, laid out for ESPN his plan to ensure that McCarthy won’t have to play until he is ready.”
On the field, Haskins struggled immediately despite the emergence of fellow rookie and wide receiver Terry McLaurin around him. He also had Trent Williams on his offensive line, but he could never find his momentum.
McCarthy cannot afford to have McCarthy trusted into the spotlight before he is ready. This coaching staff and front office have all their chips in the center of the table for him. The patience O’Connell will show this year will be frustrating to fans, but the reward could be worth it.