KOC ~ Most Underrated Offensive Play Caller

https://thevikingage.com/nfl-relearn-kevin-oconnell-lesson-minnesota-vikings-fans-know

A year ago, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was regarded as one of the best offensive minds in football. He was dubbed a "quarterback whisperer" after producing quality offenses with the likes of Josh Dobbs and Sam Darnold.

After a down year with J.J. McCarthy taking over at quarterback, the NFL seems to have forgotten the first three seasons of O'Connell's Vikings tenure.

In The Athletic's recent ranking of the top 10 offensive play callers in the league, as voted on by defensive coaches, Minnesota's head coach only received an honorable mention. He ranked fifth heading into the 2025 season.

With a more talented quarterback at his disposal (assuming Kyler Murray wins the ongoing position battle), O'Connell can remind the rest of the league just how dangerous he can be.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has become the NFL's most underrated offensive play caller

In O'Connell's first three seasons in charge, the Vikings' offense ranked within the top ten twice in scoring and twice in yards. He has won games with the likes of Dobbs, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer.

The offense has never reached elite territory, but how could it with the limited talent O'Connell has had at quarterback? It's impressive that he was able to keep the unit afloat for so long.

O'Connell does deserve a portion of the blame for the McCarthy experience. He was part of the regime that drafted the young QB with limited collegiate starts under his belt, and he wasn't able to put together a functional offense with him under center. The Vikings' offense ranked 26th in points, 28th in yards, and 28th in EPA per play last season.

It's more than fair to drop O'Connell in play-caller rankings. But pushing him out of the top ten entirely is a bit reactionary. Klint Kubiak made the cut after one season of production with the Seattle Seahawks, with one coach saying that he's "doing a hell of a job designing plays."

Should his one impressive season weigh more heavily than O'Connell's three?

With a healthy offensive line and improved quarterback play, O'Connell's unit has every reason to return to the league's top ten this season. There aren't any more excuses. It's time for the head coach to prove how valuable he can be in the right situation.

If he can put it all together, the Vikings coach will make the rest of the NFL look silly for doubting him.