Longtime MN Viking Goes Off on Kevin O’Connell via X

The Minnesota Vikings are guaranteed to finish no worse than 8-9 this season. With the Green Bay Packers expected to rest their starters, it’s entirely plausible Minnesota ends up with a winning record.

That outcome doesn’t change the reality that the Vikings’ season has effectively been over for weeks. There has been growing noise around potential changes at the general manager position, but very little criticism directed toward head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson, however, isn’t buying the free pass.

Erin Henderson Not Buying the KOC Pass from Vikings

Erin Henderson has deep ties to the Minnesota Vikings. His brother, E.J. Henderson, was a second-round pick in 2003 and spent all nine years of his career with the organization. Erin went undrafted but played for Minnesota from 2008 to 2013. Though he finished his career with two seasons for the New York Jets, his loyalty has remained firmly rooted with the Vikings.

On Monday, following Minnesota’s Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions, Henderson took to X to voice his frustration with O’Connell.

Henderson was quick to clarify that his criticism was grounded in analysis rather than emotion. While O’Connell did manage a handful of hollow wins down the stretch, this has easily been his worst-coached season since arriving in Minnesota.

Replacing O’Connell outright would be shortsighted, but the need for a true offensive coordinator, one who possibly calls plays and handles situational responsibilities, feels increasingly urgent. Clock management has been somewhat of an ongoing issue, and the play-calling has taken a noticeable step backward this season.

There’s no denying the impressive job DeMeco Ryans has done in Houston, and Henderson’s desire for the Vikings to reach that level is understandable. The good news is there appears to be a path forward without firing the head coach.

KOC’s MN Vikings Tale of the Tape

O’Connell is now in his fourth season as head coach of the Vikings. He owns a 42–25 record (.627 winning percentage) and has guided the team to the postseason twice. Unfortunately, both appearances ended in losses, and nearly $270 million in free-agent spending this offseason resulted in a largely average on-field product.

The comparison may not be perfectly fair, but it isn’t entirely off-base either. O’Connell has an abundance of offensive weapons, yet his results pale in comparison to what Brian Flores has accomplished on defense.

Since joining the Vikings, Flores’ defenses have ranked 11th, 2nd, and 6th in DVOA. During that same span, O’Connell’s offenses have finished 28th, 23rd, 15th, and 19th. Even last season’s 14–3 campaign with Sam Darnold felt destined for disappointment, given the offense ranked just 15th in the league.

Moving on from O’Connell this offseason isn’t realistic, nor should it be. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may need to be replaced, and multiple assistants could be shown the door. Whether O’Connell hands playcalling duties to Wes Phillips or brings in a new voice entirely, the offensive coordinator role clearly warrants a thorough review.