**IT IS DONE: Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell Submits Resignation Letter**
*Minneapolis, MN — May 10, 2025*
In a stunning and unexpected development, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has officially submitted his resignation, ending his tenure with the team after just three seasons at the helm.
The announcement came early Saturday morning in a press release issued by the Vikings organization. In it, O’Connell confirmed that he had delivered a formal letter of resignation to team ownership late Friday evening, citing “personal and professional reasons” for his decision.
“This was not an easy choice,” O’Connell said in a brief statement. “Coaching the Minnesota Vikings has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have deep respect for our players, the staff, and this incredible fanbase. However, after long reflection with my family and advisors, I believe this is the right moment for me to step away and pursue new opportunities—both inside and outside of football.”
### A Promising Start, an Abrupt End
O’Connell, who was hired in February 2022 after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, came to Minnesota with high expectations. Young, energetic, and known for his offensive acumen, he was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI-winning coaching staff under Sean McVay.
In his first season with the Vikings, O’Connell led the team to an impressive 13-4 regular season record and a division title in 2022. His debut year included a string of close victories, with the team becoming known for its late-game heroics. However, the momentum didn’t last in the playoffs; the Vikings were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the New York Giants.
The following seasons proved more challenging. The 2023 campaign saw Minnesota finish 7-10 amid quarterback instability and defensive struggles. Injuries to key players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, derailed much of the team’s progress.
In 2024, the Vikings showed signs of improvement with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, drafted in the first round earlier that year. But inconsistency continued to plague the team, and they finished the season 8-9, once again missing the playoffs.
Despite the lack of postseason success, O’Connell was generally well-regarded within the organization and by the fanbase for his leadership style and commitment to player development. His departure comes as a shock, especially considering he was under contract through the 2026 season.
### Organization Reacts
The Vikings front office expressed “surprise and disappointment” in a brief statement released Saturday morning but offered appreciation for O’Connell’s contributions.
“Kevin O’Connell brought professionalism, energy, and integrity to this organization. We thank him for his leadership and wish him nothing but success moving forward,” said Vikings owner Zygi Wilf. “We will immediately begin a thorough search for our next head coach.”
According to sources close to the situation, O’Connell had been in discussions with ownership over the last two weeks regarding the direction of the franchise. Those talks reportedly centered on the team’s long-term quarterback situation and personnel decisions, though it remains unclear whether disagreements played a role in his decision to resign.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was hired just weeks before O’Connell in 2022, will lead the search for a new head coach. It is not yet known whether the front office will look internally or seek outside candidates. Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Brian Flores is among the potential interim options, though the team has yet to confirm any immediate plans.
### What’s Next for O’Connell?
At just 39 years old, O’Connell remains one of the youngest and most respected minds in the NFL. His resignation has already triggered speculation about his next move. Some insiders suggest he may take a year off, while others believe he could be a top candidate for future coaching or front-office roles elsewhere in the league.
There are also whispers that O’Connell could be eyeing a return to broadcasting, where his articulate analysis and quarterback background would make him a natural fit for television.
Whatever the case, O’Connell leaves behind a mixed legacy in Minnesota—a brilliant start followed by frustration, but no lack of effort or vision. For a franchise still chasing its elusive first Super Bowl, the departure adds yet another layer of uncertainty heading into the 2025 offseason.
### Fans React
News of O’Connell’s resignation quickly spread across social media, with fans expressing a range of emotions from disappointment to confusion to gratitude.
“I’m shocked. Didn’t expect this at all,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Say what you want about the last two years, but KO gave us one of the most exciting seasons in a long time in 2022.”
Others saw the change as an opportunity: “Maybe this is the shake-up we need. This roster has talent. Now it’s time to find the right person to bring it together.”
As of Saturday afternoon, O’Connell had not scheduled a press conference, and further details regarding his departure remained sparse. The Vikings are expected to hold a media availability in the coming days.
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*The Minnesota Vikings now enter the 2025 offseason with more questions than answers. As Kevin O’Connell steps away, the franchise must decide which direction to take—and who will lead it—on the long and winding road back to contention.*
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