In a stunning twist that’s shaking up both the sports and tech worlds, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has reportedly offered Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell a $333,000 signing bonus and a proposal to become the inaugural head coach of a new NFL team he is allegedly planning to form.

This news comes just hours after rumors began circulating that O’Connell’s tenure with the Vikings may be nearing an abrupt end, following a string of underwhelming performances and internal tensions within the organization. While the Vikings have not officially confirmed any decisions regarding O’Connell’s job status, sources close to the team suggest that ownership has been evaluating its leadership as the season’s playoff hopes hang in the balance.

Enter Elon Musk.

Known for disrupting industries—from electric vehicles with Tesla to space travel with SpaceX—Musk appears to be setting his sights on the NFL. Though he has not publicly confirmed any plans to launch a professional football franchise, insiders claim he has been in confidential talks with league executives and potential investors about expanding into a major U.S. market, with Austin, Texas and San Diego, California reportedly at the top of his list.

And now, it seems he’s seeking to make Kevin O’Connell the face of that venture.

According to multiple reports, Musk directly reached out to O’Connell on Thursday evening with a lucrative offer: a $333,000 immediate signing bonus, full creative control over team strategy and roster building, and the promise of state-of-the-art facilities funded by Musk himself.

While the sum may seem modest by NFL standards, sources indicate that the $333,000 figure is symbolic—reportedly chosen because 3:33 PM is the exact time Musk claims to have had the “vision” for his NFL franchise during a brainstorming session at Tesla HQ.

The timing of this offer couldn’t be more intriguing. O’Connell, once seen as one of the brightest young coaching minds in the league, led the Vikings to a strong season last year but has struggled to replicate that success. Injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and locker room friction have all contributed to the team’s uneven performance this season.

Reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed. Some believe Musk’s involvement in the NFL could bring a wave of innovation and media attention to the league, while others caution that his unpredictable nature could pose risks to team stability and long-term success.

NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Elon Musk getting into football? That’s a wild headline. But O’Connell is a cerebral coach with a modern offensive mind—could be a great fit if this team becomes reality.”

Meanwhile, Vikings fans took to social media to express shock, confusion, and in some cases, relief at the rumors of O’Connell’s potential departure.

“If Musk wants him, let him take him,” one fan tweeted. “Maybe a fresh start is good for both sides.”

Others are more skeptical of the Musk experiment, citing his turbulent acquisition and management of Twitter as a cautionary tale.

Neither the NFL nor Elon Musk has made an official statement about the formation of a new team, but a spokesperson from Musk’s camp hinted that an announcement could come before the Super Bowl.

As for Kevin O’Connell, he remains tight-lipped. When asked about the offer during a post-practice press conference, he simply smiled and said, “I’m focused on finishing strong with my guys here. That’s all I’ll say for now.”

Whether this is the beginning of a bold new chapter in professional football—or just another headline-grabbing Musk moment—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the intersection of tech moguls and sports is becoming increasingly real, and Elon Musk might just be ready to disrupt the NFL next.