According to sources, after the Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings officially announced that Kevin O'Connell, the los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator, was appointed as the team's new head coach.
University of Michigan head coach Jim Harper, who previously had a scandal with the Vikings, has confirmed his stay. He attended a full-day interview with the Vikings and ended up not being favored by the Vikings. They prefer O'Connell's interview performance. According to the reporters who followed the team, he has a unique view of the team's personnel composition and tactical playing style.
The Harper Vikings performed poorly in the interview and ended up in a bad situation
O'Connell, 36, will not be able to officially take over the manager's job until after the Super Bowl at the earliest, but it is expected that the appointment will be announced as soon as the Super Bowl is over. Former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was sacked after last season.
O'Connell has been the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, and the previous three seasons he's been in Washington, where he rose from quarterback coach all the way to offensive coordinator. It is worth mentioning that when he was the quarterback coach, Washington's quarterback was Kirk Cousins. This time, the two can be described as working together again.
As a player, O'Connell is by no means an unknown person. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of 2008, but he made just two appearances in his rookie season. After four seasons in the league, he retired in 2012.
Choosing O'Connell meant a 180-degree reversal of the Vikings' team-building philosophy. The young and creative head coach replaces the veteran conservative defensive master, who will bring a new offensive philosophy that fits Cousins' personal taste.
If O'Connell officially becomes the Vikings' head coach, it will be the fourth head coach to step out of Sean McVeigh's hands. The previous three were Brandon Starley of the Los Angeles Lightning, Matt Laffler of the Green Bay Packers and Zack Taylor of the Super Bowl, Cincinnati's Menghu.