Kevin William O’Connell, popularly known as Kevin O’Connell or KOC is an American football head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. O’Connell began his coaching tenure as a private quarterbacks coach in California, which included some high-profile clients like Johnny Manziel and Marcus Mariota. His first official stop in his professional coaching career came at Cleveland. Furthermore, he guided different positional groups of three other teams en route to getting a head coach gig in 2022.The 6 ft 5 in quarterback coach played quarterback for La Costa Canyon High School before making his way to San Diego State University where he graduated with a degree in political science. When he finally opted for the 2008 NFL draft after spending 5 years at SDSU, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round. He played backup to Tom Brady in his rookie year and got to play in just two games with limited snaps. From then onwards he was limited to an offseason or practice squad member with different franchises and didn’t see the field for the rest of his playing career.

Kevin O’Connell's Personal Information

Kevin O’Connell's Early Life, Personal Life, and Family Background

Kevin O'Connell was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 25, 1985. However, he spent his childhood in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. His high school QB career was off to a great start as he passed for over 2000 yards in his junior year, before bursting onto the scene during his senior season, where he was the team’s MVP. During his interview with KARE 11, Kevin O'Connell mentioned how he likes to play pickup basketball and is a steak and potatoes guy. His favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption and prefers Lakefront View as it makes for good ice fishing.

Kevin O’Connell Contract & Salary

Kevin O’Connell signed a four-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 (via Sports Illustrated). O Connell used to make over $2 million annually as the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator. His salary as the head coach of the Vikings falls between $3 to $5 million annually (via Pro Football Network).

Kevin O’Connell Coaching History

O’Connell’s first coaching opportunity in the pros came in 2015 when the Cleveland Browns signed him as their Quarterbacks coach. After spending one year in Bay Area as special projects coach, his next coaching gig came with the Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) where he spent three years. From there on he went to Los Angeles in 2020 to serve as an OC under Sean McVay before finally heading to Minneapolis to serve as the HC of Minnesota Vikings.

Cleveland Browns (2015)

O’Connell served one year as the quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns.

San Francisco 49ers (2016)

O’Connell was hired to the offensive staff of the 49ers on February 26, 2016.

Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) (2017 - 2019)

O’Connell joined Washington in 2017 as a quarterbacks coach under Jay Gruden’s regime. He climbed the ladder by getting promoted to passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator in the following two years.

Los Angeles Rams (2020 - 2021)

Kevin O’Connell was hired as an offensive coordinator by the Los Angeles Rams to work under head coach Sean McVay. In 2021, the Rams' offense ranked inside the top 5 in two categories: receiving touchdowns (41) and total yards (4,893). Los Angeles Rams also won the second Super Bowl in franchise history that year.

Minnesota Vikings (2022 - Present)

Minnesota Vikings named Kevin O’Connell the 10th head coach in franchise history on February 16, 2022, just three days after his Super Bowl LVI victory. KOC’s arrival instantly turned Minnesota’s fortunes around, as he guided them to a 13-4 record and an NFC North crown in his first year as a head coach. However, they were one-and-done in the postseason. O’Connell’s second year saw the Vikings finish with a disappointing 7-10 record after their starting quarterback Kirk Cousins dealt with a season-ending injury in midseason. By the end of 2023, Kevin O’Connell has a 20-14 record in the regular season while going 0-1 in the postseason.

Kevin O’Connell's Playing Career

Kevin O’Connell enrolled at San Diego State University in 2003, where he played as a quarterback for the Aztecs football team from 2003 to 2007. His NFL journey didn’t materialize as a starter as he saw playing time in just two games in his entire pro tenure.

San Diego State Aztecs (2003 - 2007)

Kevin was a team captain for four years at SDSU and played in 40 games (via Minnesota Vikings official website). His 7,689 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes rank top-5 in school history (via Pro Football Network).

NFL Career

Kevin saw playing time in only two games during his rookie year with the New England Patriots. The 94th pick in round 3 of the 2008 NFL Draft spent the rest of his career as an offseason or practice squad member for different organizations like the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers).

Kevin O Connell's Achievements & Awards

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has won a couple of awards as a player and coach.

Second-team All-MW (2007)

Kevin O’Connell was named second-team All-MW after passing for 2,810 yards and 14 passing touchdowns in his last year at San Diego State (via ESPN).

Super Bowl LVI Champion (2021)

Kevin O’Connell was the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams team who defeated Cincinnati Bnegals in Super Bowl LVI to clinch second Lombardi trophy in franchise history.

Most Notable Accomplishments

1. O’Connell is the fastest head coach to reach 20 wins in Minnesota Vikings history, needing just 30 games.

Kevin O’Connell Family

Kevin O’Connell was born to Brian and Suzanne O’Connell in Knoxville, Tennessee. O’Connell’s father is a former FBI agent while his mother had a career as an educator. KOC also has an older sister named Kelley, who is an attorney (via Minnesota Vikings official website). O’Connell is married to Leah, with whom he shares four kids

Kevin O’Connell wife

Kevin O’Connell’s wife’s name is Leah O’Connell. The couple have been married since 2010 (via Just Jared). Leah has a professional career in sales (via Just Jared).

Kevin O’Connell Kids

KOC and Leah are parents to two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and two daughters, Quinn and Callie.