The Lions coach believed that his team would be facing the Vikings in the NFC divisional round, and now both teams are out of the playoffs.

Last summer, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell gave J.J. McCarthy a ringing endorsement as the team's quarterback of the future. "Everyone should be excited that we got our young franchise quarterback in the building,” O’Connell said in August after McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgery.

Kevin O'Connell once again asserted that he wants to remain with the Minnesota Vikings for the long term, telling reporters on Thursday that he's hoping

The end of the Minnesota Vikings' season led to some big questions in the offseason. Among them, is Sam Darnold part of the Vikings' plans? Where does 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy fit into them?

NFL insider Adam Schefter expects the Minnesota Vikings and Kevin O'Connell to agree on a contract extension soon... but how much will it cost the Wilfs?

After being hired in February 2022, O’Connell has compiled a 34-17 record with the Vikings, while establishing a culture that he so often flaunts as a difference maker. O’Connell is the heavy favorite to be named NFL Coach of the Year. He also has yet to win a playoff game, twice getting bounced in the first round.

The next step is for Kevin O'Connell to possibly get a contract extension from the Vikings, and he sounds positive about it happening.

The Vikings general manager told reporters Thursday that Darnold is among the “good options” the Vikings have at quarterback while adding that J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training.

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions were victims of a huge playoff upset at the hands of Washington Commanders on Saturday night.

McCarthy missed his entire rookie campaign with a knee injury that could impact his readiness next year and he has yet to take a regular season snap in the NFL. Jones could sign a one-year contract with the Vikings similar to the $10 million deal Darnold inked in 2024 and serve as a backup and/or bridge QB to McCarthy.

He was vital to the Vikings' success this season. The post Rival Makes Announcement on Vikings Coach Amid Uncertain Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.