2022 NFL Power Rankings: Ranking every new head coach in 2022
New NFL head coach no. 5: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings. 5. 60. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. NFC North. Kevin O'Connell. player
This one was honestly a toss up between Hackett and Kevin O’Connell, but the advantage is going to O’Connell.
O’Connell, who was a quarterback in the NFL and started in New England, just came off his second season as the offensive coordinator for the Rams. O’Connell, yes another McVay disciple, orchestrated an offense that just won a Super Bowl that lost one of their top receivers before halftime.
Even if the Rams lost the Super Bowl O’Connell likely would have won the job but he’s entering Minnesota with an offensive roster that would make any drool.
Kirk Cousins isn’t a top 10 quarterback but he is capable of winning big games. Cousins already has a repertoire with receiver Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson will likely finish the ’22 season as one of the top receivers in the league if not the top receiver.
Add a dangerous rushing tandem of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison to that offense with a defense that is trending upwards, especially in the secondary, and there is a lot to be excited about.
It has to be mentioned that when the Vikings seem to get stronger O’Connell has entered the season at a time where the Green Bay Packers offense looks a bit less dangerous and the Bears and Lions are still working to get to that .500 range.
O’Connell takes the lead over Hackett also because O’Connell has a good chance at taking the division in his opening season as head coach and Hackett is entering a warzone. Advantage O’Connell.