The momentum for Kevin O’Connell to win the 2024 Coach Of the Year award continues. On NFL Gameday Morning, Steve Mariucci played the role of O’Connell in accepting the award during a hypothetical ceremony.
“I am truly honored and actually surprised [to receive] this award,” Marriuci said, as if he were O’Connell. “Because when you think about it, we were 7-10 last year, [and] didn’t make the playoffs.”
Mariuuci highlighted the improbability of the Vikings’ quick turnaround after moving on from Kirk Cousins. After signing Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, Mariucci said that O’Connell and the Vikings would “rebuild around [the] rookie quarterback.”
The Vikings are 14-2 and Darnold was named to his first Pro Bowl this week. No one could have predicted this success going into the season. But it’s impossible to ignore what O’Connell has done to get the Vikings to this point.
“But you know what? This team [is] going for his 15th win tonight. So maybe I’m not so surprised about getting [this award].”
.@SteveMariucci gives his Coach of the Year honors to @Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kMBoLilDg5
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 5, 2025
O’Connell is the clear frontrunner for the award heading into Sunday night’s game. While a loss to the Detroit Lions likely wouldn’t sway voters, a victory that clinches the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs would guarantee his win.
Vikings fans have recognized O’Connell’s brilliance since he arrived in 2022. Seeing the national media finally giving him the recognition he deserves is gratifying.