The Los Angeles Rams will officially need a new offensive coordinator in 2022. The Minnesota Vikings announced on Wednesday that they have hired Kevin O’Connell as their next head coach. O’Connell was Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator for the last two seasons, working closely with McVay and the Rams’ quarterbacks.
O’Connell, 36, is the same age as McVay. Though, because O’Connell is a few months older, McVay will remain the youngest head coach in the NFL.
Vikings president Mark Wolf called O’Connell “a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator” in a statement issued after the hire was made official, speaking highly of the former Rams offensive coordinator.
O’Connell also issued a statement, thanking the Vikings for the opportunity and saying he’s “committed to working tirelessly to bring them a Super Bowl championship.”
Kevin O'Connell on being named the #Vikings head coach pic.twitter.com/gqapLXoo48
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 16, 2022
O’Connell is the fourth former Rams assistant to become a head coach with another team since McVay took over in 2017. Matt LaFleur, Zac Taylor and Brandon Staley are the others.
The Rams will not face the Vikings in 2022, unless the two teams meet in the playoffs.