Jim Harbaugh Out; Vikings Targeting Kevin O’Connell as Head Coach

After 48 hours of thinking that Jim Harbaugh would be the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Adam Schefter (ESPN) reports tonight that he’s out of the race. Harbaugh spent the entire day at TCO Performance Center and many thought the job was all but his. Apparently not.

Jim Harbaugh called Michigan to inform the school that, despite interviewing with the Vikings today, he will be returning to school for the 2022 season, sources tell ESPN. Michigan was, in the words of one source, “elated” to get Harbaugh’s decision.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2022

We do not know what caused the irreversible divide between Jim and top Vikings decision-makers during his interview today but you can read more about what he was up against heading HERE. All we know for sure is that Jim Harbaugh will NOT be the next Vikings head coach.

Vikings to Hire O’Connell

Once Harbaugh was out, the Vikings were down to three finalists. Left standing were Rams offensive coordinator – Kevin O’Connell, Rams defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris and Giants defensive coordinator – Patrick Graham.

That didn’t last long, however. According to Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), Kevin O’Connell will be the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. You can read more about him HERE.

The #Vikings are zeroing in on #Rams OC Kevin O’Connell as their head coach, sources tell me and @RapSheet. The deal can’t be finalized until after the Super Bowl.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 3, 2022

Source said Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is now likely to be the #Vikings next head coach. The team can’t announce it until after the Super Bowl, but he’ll be the guy.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 3, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan