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Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterback Sam Darnold were both recognized by The Sporting News on Thursday after a successful season that saw the team reach the playoffs for the second time in three years. O’Connell earned the Coach of the Year award, while Darnold was honored as the Comeback Player of the Year.
O’Connell’s remarkable journey in Minnesota has seen him achieve a 34-19 record over three seasons, including back-to-back playoff appearances. He made history by becoming the fastest coach in Vikings history to reach 30 wins and is also the first to secure two 13-win seasons in his first three years.
Despite still seeking his first postseason victory, O’Connell’s leadership has been widely acknowledged, and he’s now a contender for the Coach of the Year Award at the NFL Honors next Thursday, where he’ll compete against Dan Campbell, Dan Quinn, and Andy Reid.
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As for Darnold, the 2024 season could be seen as a career revival. After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Vikings, he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, both career highs, and led the team to the playoffs for the first time in his career. Darnold’s bounce-back season has left many wondering if he’ll continue his resurgence in Minnesota, with the NFL Honors next week potentially bringing even more recognition.
The Vikings are already looking ahead, having locked in O’Connell with a multi-year extension. However, there’s still uncertainty surrounding the future of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, with reports suggesting that negotiations for his extension are ongoing.
The Vikings’ 2024 success has set the stage for a promising future, but the next steps for both their front office and star players remain to be seen.
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