Kevin O'Connell (American football)

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 25, 1985, O'Connell is the son of Suzanne and Bill O'Connell, a former FBI agent.{{cite web |url=https://www.delcotimes.com/2023/09/14/mccaffery-proud-father-of-a-vikings-leader-will-always-be-a-loyal-bulldog/ |title=McCaffery: Proud father of a Vikings leader will always be a loyal Bulldog |author=Jack McCaffery |date=September 14, 2023 |publisher=MediaNews Group |work=www.delcotimes.com |access-date=January 22, 2025}} Bill O'Connell played football for Villanova University in Villanova, a western suburb of Philadelphia.{{cite news|url=https://twincities.com/2022/02/21/father-of-vikings-kevin-oconnell-had-key-role-in-getting-mafia-boss-john-gotti-behind-bars|title=Father of Vikings Coach Kevin O'Connell Had Key Role in Getting Mafia Boss John Gotti Behind Bars|last=Tomasson|first=Chris|date=February 18, 2023|access-date=October 17, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://kstp.com/minnesota-sports/interview-with-new-vikings-coach-kevin-oconnells-dad-bill-oconnell|title=Bill O'Connell Pumped for Son Kevin to be Taking Over Vikings|date=February 21, 2022|access-date=October 17, 2024 }}

During O'Connell's childhood, while his dad worked in the FBI, Kevin and his older sister Kelly, moved around frequently with their dad's work. Kevin was born in Tennessee, the family moved to New York in 1990, and eventually to Carlsbad, California up the coast about 35 miles from San Diego.{{cite web |url=https://www.startribune.com/kevin-oconnell-profile/600205343 |title=Kevin O'Connell's stubborn optimism sets the Vikings on his long-planned course |author=Ben Goessling |date=September 10, 2022 |publisher=The Minnesota Star Tribune |work=www.startribune.com |access-date=January 22, 2025}} Kevin moved from running back to quarterback while he was in middle school, before moving on to La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad.{{Cite web |url=http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/oconnell_kevin00.html |title=SDSU Aztecs Biography for Kevin O'Connell |access-date=February 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815143029/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/oconnell_kevin00.html |archive-date=August 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }} He lettered in both football and basketball in high school. In football as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior, he was named the team's Most Valuable Player and selected to All-League, All-North County, and All-San Diego teams.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/documents/d282d019-ec54-452e-a033-5b024ad32b52.pdf |title=San Diego State Announces 2003 Recruiting Class |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 24, 2025}} In basketball, he was a two-year letterman, and a teammate of Arizona standout player, Chase Budinger.{{cite news | title = O'Connell Could be Ready in a Snap | first = Christopher L. | last = Gasper | url = http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2008/09/28/oconnell_could_be_ready_in_a_snap/ | newspaper = Boston Globe | date = September 28, 2008 | access-date = September 13, 2009}} O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon High School in 2003.

O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science.{{cite news | title = O'Connell's Shot at NFL Looks Legit | first = Nick | last = Canepa | url = http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/canepa/20080212-9999-1s12canepa.html | newspaper = San Diego Union-Tribune | date = February 12, 2008 | access-date = September 13, 2009}}{{cite news | title = Offensive Evolution Under Long Has Come to Pass for the Aztecs | first = Brent | last = Schrotenboer | url = http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/aztecs/20071129-9999-1s29azfoot.html | newspaper = San Diego Union-Tribune | date = November 29, 2007 | access-date = September 13, 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130205132528/http://www.uniontrib.com/sports/aztecs/20071129-9999-1s29azfoot.html | archive-date = February 5, 2013 | url-status = dead }}

On February 1, 2003, O'Connell committed to play football for Tom Craft's San Diego State Aztecs football team.{{cite web |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/kevin-o-connell-73540?view=pv |title=Kevin O'Connell 2003 Pro Style Quarterback San Diego State |publisher=Yahoo |work=n.rivals.com |access-date=January 24, 2025}} He came to San Diego State as "a player we can build the offensive class around" according to Craft.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2003/02/05/aztec-head-football-coach-tom-craft-announces-his-second-recruiting-class |title=Aztec Head Football Coach Tom Craft Announces His Second Recruiting Class |date=February 2, 2003 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=www.goaztecs.com |access-date=January 24, 2025}}

As a true freshman in 2003, O'Connell, age 18, and sophomore Matt Dlugolecki were backups to Adam Hall who was coming off a strong junior season in 2002. Craft stated, "With a senior quarterback, the logical step is to redshirt Kevin O'Connell. But we are not going to define the situation until we see everyone in August."{{cite web |url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/goaztecs.com/documents/2018/7/10/24658__m_footbl__03-mg-preview.pdf |title=2003 Season Preview |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |access-date=January 25, 2025}} When Hall was injured during the regular season, Craft began to dress O'Connell during games, but not play O'Connell, but rather to get him used to traveling and dressing with the team.{{cite web |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2003/09/01/aztecs-lose-hall-for-up-to-6-weeks/ |title=Aztecs lose Hall for up to 6 weeks |date=September 1, 2003 |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=January 25, 2025}} O'Connell did not see any game action in 2003, registered no statistics, and retained four years of eligibility under the NCAA's redshirt rule.

O'Connell performed well in the annual spring game in March 2004, but Dlugolecki was named the starting quarterback during the spring.{{cite news |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2004/03/13/dlugolecki-feeling-secure-as-aztecs-top-quarterback/ |title=Dlugolecki feeling secure as Aztecs' top quarterback |date=March 13, 2004 |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=January 25, 2005}} While O'Connell was touted as the team's "stronger armed quarterback,"{{Cite news |date=August 28, 2004 |title=O'Connell sets goal to spring into QB job |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2004/03/06/oconnell-sets-goal-to-spring-into-qb-job/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} he spent the 2004 season as San Diego State's No. 2 quarterback behind Dlugolecki. In the season opener against I-AA Idaho State, O'Connell threw his first career touchdown pass. Dlugolecki started 7 games, getting injured in the 7th game, promoting O'Connell's first start.{{cite web |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/10/19/19856625/san-diego-state-makes-qb-change/ |title=San Diego State makes QB change |date=October 19, 2004 |publisher=Deseret News |work=www.deseret.com |access-date=January 26, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.wyomingnews.com/sports/mwc-teams-settle-on-starting-qbs/article_a0c35d22-531e-5333-af7b-f9bee068f8fd.html |title=MWC teams settle on starting QBs |author=Robert Gagliardi |date=September 1, 2004 |publisher=Wyoming News |work=www.wyomingnews.com |access-date=January 26, 2025}}

In his first collegiate start, O'Connell led the Aztecs to a 19–9 loss to a New Mexico team that finished second in the Mountain West Conference and was led by DonTrell Moore. O'Connell completed 16 of 32 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown.{{cite web |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2004/10/19/oconnell-gets-start-for-aztecs/ |title=O'Connell gets start for Aztecs |date=October 19, 2004 |publisher=The San Diego Union-Tribune |work=www.sandiegouniontribune.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/10/30/19858719/home-game-looms-for-alex/ |title='Home game' looms for Alex |author=Dirk Facer |date=October 30, 2004 |publisher=Deseret News |work=www.deseretcom |access-date=January 26, 2025}} In his second start, the Aztecs lost to a No. 9 Utah team that finished the season ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in both the AP and Coaches polls respectively.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2004/10/30/aztecs-fall-to-undefeated-utes-51-28 |title=Aztecs Fall To Undefeated Utes, 51-28 |author=Bernie Wilson |date=October 29, 2004 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}} The following week, the Aztecs were blown out by the BYU Cougars, 49–16.{{cite web |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/11/8/19860102/byu-game-glance/ |title=BYU game glance |date=November 8, 2004 |publisher=Deseret News |work=www.deseret.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}}

After the loss to BYU, O'Connell led San Diego State to victories over Air Force (37–31) and UNLV (21–3). O'Connell completed 33 of 69 passes for 407 yards with 3 touchdowns in those games.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2004/11/13/san-diego-state-snaps-six-game-losing-streak-over-air-force |title=San Diego State Snaps Six-Game Losing Streak Over Air Force |date=November 12, 2004 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/game/_/gameId/243250021/unlv-san-diego-st |title=San Diego State 21-3 UNLV (Nov 20, 2004) |date=November 20, 2004 |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |work=www.espn.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}}

In the spring of 2005, O'Connell was in a three-way competition for San Diego State's starting quarterback job. 2004's returning starter Matt Dluglocecki was returning from injury, and redshirt freshman, Darren Mougey was expected to make a push for playing time. In April 2005, Craft said, "We want to make the decision early, hopefully in the first week of practice. It will be an open three-way battle. We just want to make the decision early so we can be ready for our game against UCLA. We'll stay with one guy, unlike last year."{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2005/08/23/offense-thrives-in-final-sdsu-football-intrasquad-scrimmage |title=Mougey, Sampson Lead Black Team To 28-14 Win In Aztec Spring Finale |date=March 25, 2005 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}} In the 2005 spring game, O'Connell didn't participate due to his recovery from shoulder surgery, and gave Dluglocecki, Mougey and Kevin Craft opportunities to take all of the repetitions. After fall practice, Tom Craft announced his depth chart with O'Connell as his No. 1 quarterback.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2005/08/20/sdsu-names-starting-quarterback |title=SDSU Names Starting Quarterback |date=August 20, 2005 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}} O'Connell was the starting quarterback in all 12 games for the 2005 San Diego State Aztecs football team that compiled a 5–7 record.

On September 24, 2005, O'Connell had a career-high four touchdown passes in a 52–21 victory over San Jose State.{{cite web |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/09/25/aztecs-oconnell-picks-apart-spartans/ |title=Aztecs’ O’Connell picks apart Spartans |publisher=MediaNews Group |work=www.eastbaytimes.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}} After the game, O'Connell was asked for his reaction to offense improving and responded, "We were able to do some big things. We're going to try to take what we leaned from the first four games and apply it for the rest of the season."{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2005/09/26/aztec-football-weekly-press-conference-quotes-vs-byu |title=Aztec Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes Vs. BYU |date=September 26, 2005 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 29, 2025}}

On October 15, 2005, O'Connell led the Aztecs to a 28–19 upset victory over a Utah Utes team that was led by Brian Johnson. O'Connell completed 17 of 23 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns.{{cite web |url=https://www.deseret.com/2005/10/16/19917713/aztecs-thrive-vs-teams-from-utah/ |title=Aztecs thrive vs. teams from Utah |author=Linda Hamilton |publisher=Deseret News |work=www.deseretcom |access-date=January 26, 2025}} In his first match up against a No. 20 TCU team that finished the season ranked No. 11 and No. 9 in both the AP and Coaches polls, 23–20. O'Connell threw a game-high 235 yards, two interceptions, and a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown.{{Cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2005/10/29/tcu-rallies-to-beat-san-diego-state-23-20 |title=TCU Rallies To Beat San Diego State 23-20 |date=October 28, 2005 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 26, 2025}}

In the final three games of the 2005 regular season, O'Connell completed 63 of 102 passes for 802 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. For the season as a whole, he completed 233 of 375 passes for 2,663 yards, 19 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. Following the conclusion of the season, Tom Craft was relived of his duties as head coach.{{cite news | first=Mick | last=McGrane | title=SDSU fires Craft: Athletic director says program needs more energy, confidence| newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=December 6, 2005 | accessdate=November 13, 2012 | url=http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051206/news_1s6azfoot.html}}

In the spring of 2006, O'Connell was in a three-way competition for San Diego State's starting quarterback job again. When new head coach Chuck Long was appointed the head coach, he wanted to see what he had between the three quarterbacks. The 2006 competition pitted O'Connell against sophomores Mongey and Kevin Craft.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/03/20/sdsu-football-head-coach-chuck-long-press-conference-quotes |title=SDSU Football Head Coach Chuck Long Press Conference Quotes |date=March 20, 2006 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 30, 2025}} In April 2006, Long said, "It felt that way today. His experience definitely showed up today, and I thought he commanded well all game. Kevin Craft and Darren (Mougey) had their moments as well, but you could sense (O'Connell's) experience. He had a nice day."{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/04/14/quotes-from-the-red-black-game |title=Quotes from the Red & Black Game |date=April 14, 2006 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 30, 2025}} In the 2006 spring game, O'Connell impressed observers as he completed 15 of 26 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Long said after fall camp, "Kevin O'Connell's had a great, great camp. He had a nice drive today. He's our captain and he'll go in number one, and we're going to practice that way. Darren Mougey and Kevin Craft both played well today and that's what you want - a healthy competition."{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/08/18/sdsu-footballs-annual-family-day-football-scrimmage-proves-to-be-a-low-scoring-affair |title=SDSU Football's Annual Family Day Football Scrimmage Proves To Be A Low-Scoring Affair |date=August 18, 2006 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 30, 2025}}

In his first start of the season, O'Connell and the Aztecs lost 34–27 a UTEP Miners team that was led by Jordan Palmer. In the first half of the game, O'Connell left with a thumb injury. He would miss the next six games after undergoing thumb surgery.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/09/02/sdsu-quarterback-kevin-oconnell-to-undergo-surgery |title=SDSU Quarterback Kevin O'Connell to Undergo Surgery |date=September 1, 2006 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 31, 2025}}

In relief of starting quarterback, Kevin Craft, O'Connell lead the Aztecs to a victory over UNLV. O'Connell rushed for a touchdown on his first drive and finished the game, completing all 7 passes he attempted for 68 yards.{{cite web |url=https://thedailyaztec.com/16987/daily-aztec-stories/paybacks-a-cinch-against-unlv/ |title=Payback’s a cinch against UNLV |date=November 12, 2006 |publisher=The Daily Aztec |work=thedailyaztec.com |access-date=January 31, 2025}} O'Connell reclaimed his starting position with the team the next game.

After the win against UNLV, O'Connell and the Aztecs suffered losses to TCU (52–0) and New Mexico (41–14). O'Connell completed 29 of 55 passes for 325 yards in those games. In the final game of the season, a 17–6 win to Colorado State, closing out a 3–9 season for the Aztecs. O'Connell finished the season moving into 7th place all-time for the Aztecs.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2006/12/2/san-diego-state-colorado-state-postgame-notes-6 |title=San Diego State-Colorado State Postgame Notes |date=December 2, 2006 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=January 31, 2025}}

In 2007, his final season at San Diego State, O'Connell started all 12 games at quarterback for the 2007 San Diego State Aztecs football team that compiled an 4–8 record. For the first time in his college career, he entered the season as the unquestioned starting quarterback.{{cite web |url=https://goaztecs.com/news/2007/05/03/kevin-oconnell-named-aztecs-starting-quarterback |title=Kevin O'Connell Named Aztecs' Starting Quarterback |date=May 2, 2007 |publisher=San Diego State University Athletics |work=goaztecs.com |access-date=February 2, 2025}}

In the fifth game of the season, O'Connell led San Diego State to a 52–17 victory over Portland State. O'Connell completed 19 of 31 passes for career-highs with 443 yards and five touchdowns.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2007/09/24/carpenter-builds-asus-reputation/ |title=Carpenter builds ASU’s reputation |publisher=MediaNews Group |work=www.dailynews.com |access-date=January 31, 2025}}

For the season, O'Connell completed 257 of 439 passes for 3,063 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He was named Second Team All-Mountain West.{{cite web|url=https://themw.com/football-all-mountain-west-teams-and-superlative-awards/ |title=Football All-Mountain West Teams and Superlative Awards |publisher=Mountain West Conference |work=www.themw.com |access-date=February 2, 2025}} O'Connell was a four-year team captain, he started 33 games. That is the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and O'Connell ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. In 2007, he led the team in rushing yards. In passing, O'Connell ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions.

O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, leading the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. O'Connell was 11-of-21 for 147 yards and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.{{cite news | title = Kevin O'Connell Shines in Hula Bowl | url = http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/011308aaa.html | agency = Associated Press | date = January 12, 2008 | access-date = September 13, 2009 | archive-date = September 23, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080923024300/http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/011308aaa.html | url-status = dead }}

At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time among quarterbacks.{{cite web |url=http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/combine4.html |title=2008 Scouting Combine: Sunday |author=Roshan Bhagat |publisher=FootballsFuture.com |work=www.footballsfuture.com |access-date=February 5, 2025}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 5

| weight = 225

| dash = 4.61

| ten split = 1.60

| twenty split = 2.71

| shuttle = 4.38

| cone drill = 7.01

| vertical = 31.0

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 5

| bench =

| arm span = 34 1/8

| hand span = 8 7/8

| wonderlic =

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kevin-o'connell/32004f43-4f19-3317-63b2-abb709fe7839 |title=Kevin O'Connell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 15, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=14617&DraftYear=2008 |title=Kevin OConnell, San Diego State, QB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=February 15, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine/_/id/11708/kevin-oconnell |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216031823/http://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/combine/_/id/11708/kevin-oconnell |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |title=Kevin O'Connell 2008 NFL Draft Profile |website=ESPN |access-date=February 15, 2022}}

}}

File:Kevin O'Connell at Patriots at Raiders 12-14-08.JPG

The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |access-date=May 12, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During the 2008 season; playing under head coach Bill Belichick, O'Connell rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 19–14.{{cite web |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2008/08/29/giants-defeat-patriots-in-nfl/52285981007/ |title=Giants defeat Patriots in NFL preseason finale |date=August 28, 2008 |publisher=Sea Coast Online |work=www.seacoastonline.com |access-date=February 5, 2025}} O'Connell made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008, in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/sports/22iht-NFL.1.16362420.html |title=No Brady, Dolphins end Patriots streak |date=September 22, 2008 |publisher=New York Times |work=www.nytimes.com |access-date=February 5, 2025}} On December 21, in a 47–7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, O'Connell completed 1 of 2 passes (50%) for -2 yards and rushed 3 times for -6 yards.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/north/2008/12/22/patriots-crush-cardinals/52155742007/ |title=Patriots crush Cardinals |author=Rich Garvin |date=December 21, 2008 |publisher=Telegram & Gazette |work=www.telegram.com |access-date=February 5, 2025}}

Going into the 2009 season, O'Connell was competing with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State, for the backup position behind Tom Brady.{{cite web |url=https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/sports/pro/2009/08/13/qb-not-qb-that-is/40334127007/ |title=QB or not QB? That is the question |date=August 13, 2009 |author=Glen Farley |publisher=The Enterprise |work=www.enterprisenews.com |access-date=February 7, 2005}} In an August 20th game against the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell completed 9 of 16 passes for 90 yards.{{cite web |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/portsmouth-herald/2009/08/22/after-last-year-pats-focused/51890617007/ |title=After last year, Pats focused on Brady's backup |date=August 22, 2009 |publisher=Sea Coast Online |work=www.seacoastonline.com |access-date=February 7, 2025}} In the third preseason game in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions and only threw three completions on 10 attempts. Two days later, on August 30, the Patriots waived O'Connell.{{cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2009/08/30/patriots_make_c/ |title=Patriots make change at QB, tell O’Connell he’s waived |author=Mike Reiss |date=August 30, 2009 |publisher=Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC |work=www.boston.com |access-date=February 7, 2025}}

O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009.{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2009 |title=Lions awarded QB O'Connell |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4438250 |website=espn.com}} O'Connell appeared in the Lions final preseason game, but saw minimal playing time.

On September 6, 2009, the Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets for a seventh round 2011 draft pick.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/02/lions_have_seven_picks_in_upco.html |title=Lions have seven picks in upcoming draft |author=Kowalski, Tom |date=February 22, 2010 |publisher=MLive.com |access-date=March 3, 2010}} He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots.{{cite web |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/09/20/kevin-oconnell-team-captain/ |title=Kevin O'Connell, team captain? |author=Florio, Mike |date=September 20, 2009 |publisher=ProFootballTalk |access-date=August 31, 2010}}

On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5515776 |title=Jets cut QB Kevin O'Connell |author=Cimini, Rich |date=August 31, 2010 |publisher=ESPN New York |access-date=August 31, 2010}} O'Connell then found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he had received during the preseason, which required surgery.{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/09/jets_lose_confidence_in_rookie.html |title=Jets lose confidence in rookie running back Joe McKnight |author=Star-Ledger Staff |date=September 3, 2010 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |access-date=September 3, 2010}} After his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. He had been on the injured reserve list{{cite web |url=https://www.twitter.com/JennyVrentas/status/23973631710 |title=Jets re-sign Kevin O'Connell |author=Star-Ledger Staff |date=September 8, 2010 |publisher=The Star-Ledger |access-date=September 8, 2010}} and was later released again on July 29, 2011.{{cite news|title=Jets release backup QB Mark Brunell, still waiting on Nnamdi Asomugha |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2011/07/jets-release-backup-qb-mark-brunell-still-waiting-on-nnamdi-asomugha |work=New York Daily News |publisher=Mortimer Zuckerman |author=Mehta, Manish |date=July 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103072500/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2011/07/jets-release-backup-qb-mark-brunell-still-waiting-on-nnamdi-asomugha |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=July 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins but was waived on September 3.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Chris |date=August 5, 2011 |title=Miami Dolphins sign quarterback Kevin O'Connell to one year contract |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/794057-miami-dolphins-sign-quarterback-kevin-oconnell-to-one-year-contract |website=Bleacherreport.com}}{{Cite web |last=Nogle |first=Kevin |date=September 3, 2011 |title=Miami Dolphins roster cut 4 qb Kevin O'Connell |url=https://www.thephinsider.com/2011/9/3/2402542/miami-dolphins-roster-cut-4-qb-kevin-oconnell |website=ThefinInsider.com}}

O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.{{cite news|title=Jets awarded four players off waivers, including QB Kevin O'Connell; cut Aaron Maybin |url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2011/09/jets_claim_center_colin_baxter.html |work=The Star-Ledger |author=Vrentas, Jenny |date=September 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018110831/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2011/09/jets_claim_center_colin_baxter.html |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=September 4, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012, to be an emergency back-up during the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller having recently retired.{{cite news|title=Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in |url=http://www.nctimes.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/chargers/chargers-notes-former-lcc-aztecs-qb-o-connell-signed-as/article_16dd040e-a0f9-5d86-b3d5-31e71a9b9646.html |work=North County Times |author=Bair, Scott |date=July 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731232757/http://www.nctimes.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/chargers/chargers-notes-former-lcc-aztecs-qb-o-connell-signed-as/article_16dd040e-a0f9-5d86-b3d5-31e71a9b9646.html |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2012 |url-status=dead }} He was released on August 12.

After spending the previous two years as a private quarterbacks coach in Carlsbad, California with clients including Johnny Manziel, Logan Thomas, Marcus Mariota, and Bryce Petty, it was announced on February 17, 2015, that O'Connell was hired as the quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns. That began his full-time coaching career and reunited him with Mike Pettine, who was the defensive coordinator for the Jets during O'Connell's stint as a player there, as well as Manziel, who was a client of O’Connell’s prior to the 2014 NFL Draft.{{cite web |url=http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Kevin-O%E2%80%99Connell-hired-to-coach-QBs-as-Browns-round-out-offensive-staff/94e59bd2-8973-49f8-b270-6ddb341e9e1d |title=Kevin O'Connell hired to coach QBs as Browns round out offensive staff |last1=Gribble |first1=Andrew |date=February 17, 2015 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |publisher=Cleveland Browns |access-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217213325/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Kevin-O%E2%80%99Connell-hired-to-coach-QBs-as-Browns-round-out-offensive-staff/94e59bd2-8973-49f8-b270-6ddb341e9e1d |url-status=dead }}

O'Connell was hired to the offensive staff of the San Francisco 49ers on February 26, 2016.{{cite web | url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/02/26/49ers-adding-oconnell-to-offensive-staff/ | title=49ers adding O'Connell to offensive staff | publisher=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com | date=February 26, 2016 | access-date=March 3, 2016 | author=Jackson, Zac}}

File:Alex Smith 2019.jpg prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys, December 2019]]

On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins under head coach Jay Gruden.{{cite web | url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/01/20/report-kevin-oconnell-will-coach-quarterbacks-in-washington/ | title=Kevin O'Connell will coach quarterbacks in Washington | publisher=NBC Sports | date=January 20, 2017 | access-date=January 22, 2017 | author=Jackson, Zac}} In 2019, with Bill Callahan as the interim head coach, O'Connell was promoted to offensive coordinator.{{cite web |title=Redskins Promote Kevin O'Connell To Offensive Coordinator; Matt Cavanaugh Moves To Senior Offensive Assistant |url=https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-promote-kevin-o-connell-to-oc-matt-cavanaugh-asst |website=Washington Commanders |access-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204200501/https://www.commanders.com/news/redskins-promote-kevin-o-connell-to-oc-matt-cavanaugh-asst |url-status=dead }} After the 2019–20 regular season, he was not retained by incoming new head coach Ron Rivera.{{cite web |last1=Hoffman |first1=Craig |title=Kevin O'Connell amicably departs as Redskins hire Scott Turner as OC |url=https://thefandc.radio.com/kevin-oconnell-departs-as-redskins-hire-scott-turner |website=thefandc.radio.com |date=January 7, 2020 |access-date=February 13, 2020}}

On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams to be their new offensive coordinator.{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Stu |title=Rams announce 2020 coaching additions |url=https://www.therams.com/news/rams-announce-2020-coaching-additions |website=therams.com |access-date=February 13, 2020}} In his second season with the Rams, their offense ranked second-best in receiving touchdowns (41), fifth-highest in total yards (4,893), and eighth-best in total touchdowns (63) as the team won Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20.{{Cite web |title=2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2021.htm |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Los Angeles Rams come back to win Super Bowl LVI 23–20 in front of hometown crowd|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/los-angeles-rams-come-back-win-super-bowl-lvi-home-rcna16070|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=NBC News|date=February 14, 2022 |language=en}}

On February 16, 2022, just three days after winning Super Bowl LVI, O'Connell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th head coach in their franchise history.{{cite web|title=Minnesota Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell 10th Head Coach In Franchise History|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kevin-oconnell-head-coach-announcement|website=vikings.com|date=February 16, 2022|access-date=February 16, 2022}}{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2022 |title=Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33303864/minnesota-vikings-officially-hire-innovative-kevin-oconnell-new-head-coach |access-date=February 16, 2022 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} The hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 23–7.{{cite web|title=Packers vs. Vikings - Box Score - September 11, 2020|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401437649|website=ESPN.com|date=September 11, 2022|access-date=September 12, 2022}}

O'Connell led the Vikings to a 13–4 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history, which included an 11–0 record in games decided by one score, including the biggest comeback in NFL history. The Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2017, which was good enough for the NFC's third seed, but were defeated by the New York Giants in the Wild Card round by a score of 31–24.{{cite web |last=Campbell |first=Dave |title=Giants outlast Vikings 31-24 for 1st playoff win in 11 years |work=AP News |date=January 16, 2023 |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-york-giants-nfl-super-bowl-sports-daniel-jones-9857c3c0a58090ba9251bd8cdd681ba0 |access-date=October 15, 2024}}

In 2023, the Vikings regressed, losing the first three games of the season, then losing Kirk Cousins for the year due to an Achilles injury in a Week 8 tilt against the Packers. Despite a surprising pair of wins under freshly acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs, the Vikings lost six of their last seven games to finish the year with a 7–10 record, the only win in that stretch being a 3–0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

After Kirk Cousins left the Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons after the season, O'Connell worked closely with veteran free agent quarterback Sam Darnold and rookie first round pick J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 off-season. A preseason knee injury to McCarthy complicated the team's plans for quarterback progression, leading to Darnold becoming the sole starter for 2024. O'Connell guided the Vikings to a 14–3 record, the second most wins in franchise history, with both Darnold and newly acquired running back Aaron Jones registering career highs in passing and rushing yards, respectively. However, due to a Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Vikings became the first 14-win team to settle for a Wild Card round berth, finishing second in the NFC North. In the Wild Card round, O'Connell matched up against his former mentor Sean McVay for a second time. The Vikings would lose to the Los Angeles Rams 27–9 in a game played at State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to the wildfires in southern California. Including the postseason, all four of the 2024 Vikings' losses came at the hands of the Lions and Rams.

On January 21, 2025, O'Connell signed a contract extension with the Vikings.{{cite web|last=Peters|first=Craig|title=Vikings Agree to Contract Extension with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kevin-oconnell-contract-extension-2025-nfl-head-coach|website=vikings.com|date=January 21, 2025|access-date=January 21, 2025}} Two days later, he was honored by the Pro Football Writers Association as the 2024 Head Coach of the Year.{{cite web|last=Peters|first=Craig|title=Kevin O'Connell Named PFWA Coach of the Year|url=https://www.vikings.com/news/kevin-o-connell-pwfa-nfl-coach-of-the-year-2024|website=vikings.com|date=January 23, 2025|access-date=January 28, 2025}} On February 6, 2025, O'Connell was also honored as the AP NFL Coach of the Year.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Coral|title=Viking's Kevin O'Connell named AP NFL Coach of the Year|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-kevin-o-connell-named-2024-ap-nfl-coach-of-the-year|website=NFL.com|date=February 6, 2025|access-date=February 6, 2025}}

O'Connell and his wife, Leah, have four children: Kaden, Quinn, Kolten, and Callie.{{cite news|url=https://sportskeeda.com/nfl/kevin-o-connell-wife|title=Who is Kevin O'Connell's Wife|date=January 3, 2024|access-date=October 17, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Pareek |first=Keshav |date=2024-11-22 |title=How Many Kids Does Kevin O’Connell Have? All About Vikings HC’s Family |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-how-many-kids-does-kevin-oconnell-have-all-about-vikings-hcs-family/ |access-date=2025-01-28 |website=EssentiallySports |language=en}} He is a parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota.{{cite web |title=Leadership Lessons with Kevin O'Connell |url=https://www.olgparish.org/olg-news-events/mc-may2024 |website=Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church |date=19 May 2024}} O'Connell has spoken about "hope and faith" as important things relating to leadership in the NFL, and that his faith in Christ has "defined everything" about how he deals with adversity.{{cite news |last1=Ragatz |first1=Will |title=Kevin O'Connell Gives Great Answer to Draft Question at Church Event |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/kevin-oconnell-answer-draft-question-church-event |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Minnesota Vikings On SI |date=20 April 2024}}{{cite AV media |people=Kevin O'Connell, Tim Westermeyer |last= |first= |date=April 19, 2024 |title=April 18, 2024 - Kevin O'Connell - Faith & Leadership: Coaching in the NFL |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LTanTYoKgU |trans-title= |format= |work= |type= |language= |location= |publisher=St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church |minutes=8:45}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.vikings.com/team/coaches-roster/kevin-o-connell Minnesota Vikings profile]

{{NFL head coaches}}

{{Navboxes|title=|list=

{{AP NFL Coaches of the Year}}

{{San Diego State Aztecs quarterback navbox}}

{{New England Patriots 2008 NFL draft picks}}

{{Super Bowl LVI}}

{{Minnesota Vikings head coaches}}

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:OConnell, Kevin}}

Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football quarterbacks

Category:Cleveland Browns coaches

Category:Detroit Lions players

Category:Los Angeles Rams coaches

Category:Miami Dolphins players

Category:Minnesota Vikings head coaches

Category:NFL offensive coordinators

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:New York Jets players

Category:Players of American football from Knoxville, Tennessee

Category:San Diego State Aztecs football players

Category:San Francisco 49ers coaches

Category:Players of American football from Carlsbad, California

Category:Washington Redskins coaches

Category:San Diego Chargers players

Category:La Costa Canyon High School alumni

Category:Coaches of American football from Tennessee