Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Faces Pressure After GM Firing

Coach of the Year winner on the hot seat as Minnesota looks to return to playoffs

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is under pressure entering a critical offseason after the team fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. O'Connell, the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year, is considered a hot-seat candidate despite a strong overall record, as the Vikings missed the playoffs this past season and have struggled on offense under his leadership.

Why it matters

O'Connell's future with the Vikings is uncertain after the team's disappointing 9-8 season and the dismissal of the GM who hired him. As the sole remaining leader, O'Connell must prove he can elevate the Vikings' offense and return the team to the playoffs to keep his job secure.

The details

O'Connell has a 43-25 regular-season record as Vikings head coach, but is 0-2 in the playoffs. The team's offense has underperformed under his leadership, ranking no higher than 15th in DVOA during his tenure. The Vikings fired Adofo-Mensah after the season, putting the onus on O'Connell to develop quarterback J.J. McCarthy and get the team back to the postseason.

  • O'Connell was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2024.
  • The Vikings fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after the 2025 season.

The players

Kevin O'Connell

The Minnesota Vikings head coach, who won Coach of the Year in 2024 but faces pressure to improve the team's offense and return to the playoffs.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

The former Minnesota Vikings general manager who was fired after the 2025 season.

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' young quarterback who O'Connell must develop to prove his regime was the right choice.

Zygi Wilf

The owner of the Minnesota Vikings, who is not satisfied with the team's 9-8 record and recent quarterback decisions.

Brian Flores

The Vikings' defensive coordinator who could be a candidate to replace O'Connell if the team fails to make the playoffs next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's incredibly well-respected, has a reputation as one of the greatest 'quarterback whisperers' in the league, and has won nearly twice as many games as he's lost during his five seasons. He just got a lucrative contract extension, too. But his boss, owner Zygi Wilf, clearly wasn't happy with the Vikings' 9-8 record this past season and some of their recent quarterback decisions. That's why he fired GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Fox Sports (Fox Sports)

What’s next

The Vikings will need to decide whether to keep O'Connell as head coach or make a change, likely based on the team's performance and playoff standing next season.

The takeaway

O'Connell's future in Minnesota is far from secure, as the Vikings' owner has shown a willingness to make sweeping changes. The coach must prove he can elevate the team's offense and return to the playoffs to keep his job, or the Vikings may turn to defensive coordinator Brian Flores as their new head coach.