Kevin O'Connell (American football)

Kevin William O'Connell, called "KO", is an American football coach and a former player. He was born on May 25, 1985, in Knoxville, Tennessee. His family moved often because his father worked for the FBI. Kevin went to high school in Carlsbad, California at La Costa Canyon High School.

After high school, he played football for San Diego State University from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, he was chosen by the New England Patriots in the NFL draft. He played as a quarterback for five seasons in the NFL with teams like the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers.

When his playing career ended, Kevin became a coach. He worked with teams like the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams. With the Rams, he helped the team win Super Bowl LVI as an offensive coordinator. In 2022, he became the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings. In his first season, he led the Vikings to win the NFC North division title. In 2024, he was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

Early life and education

Kevin O'Connell was born on May 25, 1985, in Knoxville, Tennessee. His dad, Bill O'Connell, worked for the FBI and played football for Villanova University near Philadelphia. Because of his dad's job, Kevin and his older sister moved often. They lived in New York and later in Carlsbad, California, close to San Diego.

In middle school, Kevin changed from being a running back to a quarterback. He went to La Costa Canyon High School, where he played football and basketball. In football, he earned many honors in his final year. He finished high school in 2003 and later graduated from San Diego State University in 2007 with a degree in political science.

College playing career

Kevin O'Connell started his college football career at San Diego State University in 2003. At first, he watched and learned from his teammates. By 2004, he began to play more and helped the team win some games in his first start.

In 2005, O'Connell became the main quarterback and played in every game. He had some great moments, like throwing four touchdown passes in one game. Over the next few years, he kept getting better and became an important player for the team. By 2007, when he finished, he had set several school records and was a leader for the team all four years.

Professional playing career

Kevin O'Connell played in important college games before joining the NFL. He was chosen by the New England Patriots in 2008 but didn’t stay long.

Later, he joined the New York Jets and became a team captain in one game. He had some injuries and played for different teams, including the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers, before his playing career ended in 2012.

Career statistics

NFL

College

Coaching career

Kevin O'Connell started his full-time coaching job in 2015 with the Cleveland Browns. He then worked for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 and the Washington Redskins in 2017, becoming their offensive coordinator in 2019.

In 2020, O'Connell joined the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator. In his second season, the team won the Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.

O'Connell became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. In his first season, he helped the team have a great year. He kept coaching the Vikings and earned big awards in 2024 from the Pro Football Writers Association and the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

Head coaching record

Personal life

Kevin O'Connell and his wife have four children. He goes to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota. O'Connell says hope and faith are important for leaders in football. He says his faith helps him during difficult times.