Kevin O'Connell has been awarded the NFL's Coach of the Year accolade following an impressive season in which he led the Minnesota Vikings to a total of 14 victories, effectively doubling the team's win total from the previous year. The competition for this year's award was notably close, with O'Connell prevailing over fellow finalist Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions. Other notable nominees included Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos, and Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders.

In the AP Coach of the Year voting, O'Connell garnered 361 points, unambiguously showcasing his effective leadership. Campbell followed with a total of 283 points, while Reid, Payton, and Quinn received 119, 71, and a lower total, respectively. The previous season saw the Vikings struggle, finishing with a 7-10 record amid numerous injuries, including the loss of quarterback Kirk Cousins to a torn Achilles and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson missing seven games due to a hamstring injury.

The Vikings entered the current season with Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback, initially expected to serve as a transitional player until rookie J.J. McCarthy was ready. However, Darnold became the established QB1 following McCarthy's torn meniscus during a preseason game. Once regarded as a potential franchise cornerstone with the New York Jets, Darnold’s journey included mixed results over his initial years and a recent tenure as Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers. This season in Minnesota, Darnold thrived, leading the team in offense to rank ninth in scoring, averaging 25.4 points per game, while also throwing for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. The Vikings' defense equally excelled, achieving fifth place in scoring defense and limiting opponents to seven or fewer points on three occasions. Minnesota showcased a strong start with five consecutive victories and later achieved a remarkable nine-game winning streak, culminating in a 14-2 regular-season record and a showdown for the NFC North title against the Detroit Lions. Although they fell short in that contest and were eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round, the season remains a significant success, further solidifying O'Connell's reputation as a top-tier coach. Having previously taken the Vikings from an 8-9 record to 13-4 in his inaugural season, the future appears promising for Minnesota under O'Connell’s leadership, now complemented by the recognition stemming from this prestigious award.