Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell took the podium Thursday for his end-of-the-year press conference, addressing a variety of key topics following the team’s strong 2024 season, which ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Among the subjects discussed were the final two games of the season, the impact of quarterback Sam Darnold, the recovery of rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, and his outlook for the team heading into the offseason.
O’Connell began the press conference by reflecting on the team’s performance during the last two regular-season games. Despite already securing a playoff spot, the Vikings closed the season with a 14-3 record, a testament to the team’s overall consistency throughout the year. “Our guys showed a lot of fight, especially in those last two games,” O’Connell said. “We were playing with a lot of guys banged up, but the effort was there. I’m proud of the way our team finished strong despite the adversity we faced.”
One of the standout stories of the season was the emergence of Sam Darnold as the Vikings’ starting quarterback. O’Connell was quick to praise Darnold for his growth and leadership in the role. “Sam stepped up in a big way this year,” said O’Connell. “Coming into the season, we knew he had potential, but to see him lead us to such a successful record, especially with the pressure of being a first-year starter, was impressive. His ability to execute the offense and improve each week gave us a great foundation moving forward.”
Darnold, who helped the Vikings post one of the best records in the league, will be a key player for Minnesota in the offseason as they look to decide whether to bring him back for another season or explore other quarterback options. O’Connell didn’t shy away from addressing the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, noting that he would be involved in all discussions to ensure the best decision for the team.
Another major topic during the press conference was the recovery of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy, who was expected to challenge for the starting job in his rookie season, faced some injury setbacks throughout the year, limiting his ability to get on the field. However, O’Connell expressed optimism about McCarthy’s recovery and future with the team. “J.J. is a special talent, and he’s been working hard to get back to full health. We’re excited about what he can bring to this team moving forward,” O’Connell said.
McCarthy’s recovery will be an important storyline as the Vikings head into the offseason, especially with the uncertainty around Darnold’s contract status. O’Connell emphasized that the Vikings would evaluate all options at the quarterback position, balancing both short-term success with long-term development.
Looking ahead to the offseason, O’Connell acknowledged that there would be tough decisions to make regarding the roster, especially as the team looks to build on its success. “Our focus is always on building a championship team, and that starts with getting the right guys in the right spots. We have a lot of good players here, and we need to continue to develop the depth we’ve built,” he said.
As the Vikings head into the offseason with high hopes for 2025, the future of the quarterback position remains a key focus. With Sam Darnold’s strong performance, McCarthy’s recovery, and the potential for new additions, the Vikings will have plenty to think about as they prepare for another push toward a Super Bowl.
In conclusion, O’Connell expressed gratitude for the support of the fans and the hard work of the players throughout the season. “We’ve come a long way, but our ultimate goal remains the same: to win a championship. We’re motivated to keep improving and make 2025 even better,” he said.
