Kevin O'Connell (American football)

Last updated

Kevin O'Connell
Kevin O'Connell 2019 (cropped).jpg
O'Connell with the Washington Redskins in 2019
Minnesota Vikings
Position: Head coach
Personal information
Born: (1985-05-25) May 25, 1985 (age 39)
Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school: La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, California)
College: San Diego State (2003–2007)
NFL draft: 2008  / round: 3 / pick: 94
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
As a player
As a coach
Career NFL statistics
Pass attempts:6
Pass completions:4
Percentage:66.7%
TDINT:-0-0
Passing yards:23
Passer rating:73.6
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Head coaching record
Regular season:34–17 (.667)
Postseason:0–2 (.000)
Career:34–19 (.642)
Record  at Pro Football Reference

Kevin William O'Connell (born May 25, 1985), nicknamed "KOC", [1] is an American professional football coach and former quarterback who is the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). O'Connell played college football at San Diego State from 2004 to 2007 and in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons from 2008 to 2012, with his longest tenure (2009–2011) as a player with the New York Jets.

Contents

O'Connell was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. His father, Bill, was an FBI agent, and the family lived in Tennessee, New York, and California. He attended high school in Carlsbad, California, at La Costa Canyon High School. After graduation from high school in 2004, O'Connell enrolled at San Diego State University and played quarterback for the Aztecs, starting for three seasons.

The New England Patriots selected O'Connell in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played 5 years as a quarterback in the NFL, with New England in 2008, the Detroit Lions in 2009, the New York Jets from 2009 to 2011, the Miami Dolphins and the San Diego Chargers in 2012.

From 2013 to 2014, while just retiring from the NFL, O'Connell served as a private instructor for quarterbacks. O'Connell's NFL coaching career began in 2015; he held various assistant coaching roles on the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and Los Angeles Rams (where he won Super Bowl LVI as offensive coordinator, in the 2021–2022 season).

Early life and education

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 25, 1985, O'Connell is the son of Suzanne and Bill O'Connell, a former FBI agent. [2] Bill O'Connell played football for Villanova University in Villanova, a western suburb of Philadelphia. [3] [4]

During O'Connell's childhood, while his dad worked in the FBI, Kevin and his older sister Kelly, moved around frequently with their dad's work. Kevin was born in Tennessee, the family moved to New York in 1990, and eventually to Carlsbad, California up the coast about 35 miles from San Diego. [5] Kevin moved from running back to quarterback while he was in middle school, [5] before moving on to La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. [6] He lettered in both football and basketball in high school. In football as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior, he was named the team's Most Valuable Player and selected to All-League, All-North County, and All-San Diego teams. [7] In basketball, he was a two-year letterman, and a teammate of Arizona standout player, Chase Budinger. [8] O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon High School in 2003.

O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. [9] [10]

College playing career

2003 and 2004 seasons

On February 1, 2003, O'Connell committed to play football for Tom Craft's San Diego State Aztecs football team. [11] He came to San Diego State as "a player we can build the offensive class around" according to Craft. [12]

As a true freshman in 2003, O'Connell, age 18, and sophomore Matt Dlugolecki were backups to Adam Hall who was coming off a strong junior season in 2002. Craft stated, "With a senior quarterback, the logical step is to redshirt Kevin O'Connell. But we are not going to define the situation until we see everyone in August." [13] When Hall was injured during the regular season, Craft began to dress O'Connell during games, but not play O'Connell, but rather to get him used to traveling and dressing with the team. [14] O'Connell did not see any game action in 2003, registered no statistics, and retained four years of eligibility under the NCAA's redshirt rule.

O'Connell performed well in the annual spring game in March 2004, but Dlugolecki was named the starting quarterback during the spring. [15] While O'Connell was touted as the team's "stronger armed quarterback," [16] he spent the 2004 season as San Diego State's No. 2 quarterback behind Dlugolecki. In the season opener against I-AA Idaho State, O'Connell threw his first career touchdown pass. Dlugolecki started 7 games, getting injured in the 7th game, promoting O'Connell's first start. [17] [18]

In his first collegiate start, O'Connell led the Aztecs to a 19–9 loss to a New Mexico team that finished second in the Mountain West Conference and was led by DonTrell Moore. O'Connell completed 16 of 32 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown. [19] [20] In his second start, the Aztecs lost to a No. 9 Utah team that finished the season ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in both the AP and Coaches polls respectively. [21] The following week, the Aztecs were blown out by the BYU Cougars, 49–16. [22]

After the loss to BYU, O'Connell led San Diego State to victories over Air Force (37–31) and UNLV (21–3). O'Connell completed 33 of 69 passes for 407 yards with 3 touchdowns in those games. [23] [24]

2005 season

In the spring of 2005, O'Connell was in a three-way competition for San Diego State's starting quarterback job. 2004's returning starter Matt Dluglocecki was returning from injury, and redshirt freshman, Darren Mougey was expected to make a push for playing time. In April 2005, Craft said, "We want to make the decision early, hopefully in the first week of practice. It will be an open three-way battle. We just want to make the decision early so we can be ready for our game against UCLA. We'll stay with one guy, unlike last year." [25] In the 2005 spring game, O'Connell didn't participate due to his recovery from shoulder surgery, and gave Dluglocecki, Mougey and Kevin Craft opportunities to take all of the repetitions. After fall practice, Tom Craft announced his depth chart with O'Connell as his No. 1 quarterback. [26] O'Connell was the starting quarterback in all 12 games for the 2005 San Diego State Aztecs football team that compiled a 5–7 record.

On September 24, 2005, O'Connell had a career-high four touchdown passes in a 52–21 victory over San Jose State. [27] After the game, O'Connell was asked for his reaction to offense improving and responded, "We were able to do some big things. We're going to try to take what we leaned from the first four games and apply it for the rest of the season." [28]

On October 15, 2005, O'Connell led the Aztecs to a 28–19 upset victory over a Utah Utes team that was led by Brian Johnson. O'Connell completed 17 of 23 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns. [29] In his first match up against a No. 20 TCU team that finished the season ranked No. 11 and No. 9 in both the AP and Coaches polls, 23–20. O'Connell threw a game-high 235 yards, two interceptions, and a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown. [30]

In the final three games of the 2005 regular season, O'Connell completed 63 of 102 passes for 802 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. For the season as a whole, he completed 233 of 375 passes for 2,663 yards, 19 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. [31] Following the conclusion of the season, Tom Craft was relived of his duties as head coach. [32]

2006 season

In the spring of 2006, O'Connell was in a three-way competition for San Diego State's starting quarterback job again. When new head coach Chuck Long was appointed the head coach, he wanted to see what he had between the three quarterbacks. The 2006 competition pitted O'Connell against sophomores Mongey and Kevin Craft. [33] In April 2006, Long said, "It felt that way today. His experience definitely showed up today, and I thought he commanded well all game. Kevin Craft and Darren (Mougey) had their moments as well, but you could sense (O'Connell's) experience. He had a nice day." [34] In the 2006 spring game, O'Connell impressed observers as he completed 15 of 26 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Long said after fall camp, "Kevin O'Connell's had a great, great camp. He had a nice drive today. He's our captain and he'll go in number one, and we're going to practice that way. Darren Mougey and Kevin Craft both played well today and that's what you want - a healthy competition." [35]

In his first start of the season, O'Connell and the Aztecs lost 34–27 a UTEP Miners team that was led by Jordan Palmer. In the first half of the game, O'Connell left with a thumb injury. He would miss the next six games after undergoing thumb surgery. [36]

In relief of starting quarterback, Kevin Craft, O'Connell lead the Aztecs to a victory over UNLV. O'Connell rushed for a touchdown on his first drive and finished the game, completing all 7 passes he attempted for 68 yards. [37] O'Connell reclaimed his starting position with the team the next game.

After the win against UNLV, O'Connell and the Aztecs suffered losses to TCU (52–0) and New Mexico (41–14). O'Connell completed 29 of 55 passes for 325 yards in those games. In the final game of the season, a 17–6 win to Colorado State, closing out a 3–9 season for the Aztecs. O'Connell finished the season moving into 7th place all-time for the Aztecs. [38]

Summary

At SDSU, where O'Connell was a four-year team captain, he started 33 games. That is the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and O'Connell ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. In 2007, he led the team in rushing yards. In passing, O'Connell ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. [6]

Statistics

Season Games Passing Rushing
GPGSRecordCmpAttPctYdsAvgTDINTRtgAttYdsAvgTD
San Diego State Aztecs
2003 00Redshirted
2004 952–311523648.71,3285.699101.0733474.81
2005 12125–723337562.12,6637.11912132.11404022.95
2006 641–35910158.46356.335111.1471553.32
2007 12124–825743958.53,0637.0158124.81354083.011
Career [31] 393312–216641,15157.77,6896.7463121.13951,3123.319

Professional playing career

Pre-draft

O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. [9] He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, leading the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. O'Connell was 11-of-21 for 147 yards and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game. [39]

At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time among quarterbacks.

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 5 in
(1.96 m)
225 lb
(102 kg)
34+18 in
(0.87 m)
8+78 in
(0.23 m)
4.61 s1.60 s2.71 s4.38 s7.01 s31.0 in
(0.79 m)
9 ft 5 in
(2.87 m)
All values from NFL Combine [40] [41] [42]

New England Patriots

O'Connell in 2008 Kevin O'Connell at Patriots at Raiders 12-14-08.JPG
O'Connell in 2008

The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their fourth pick (94th overall) in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. [43] He rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 19–14. O'Connell made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008, in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three.

O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on August 30, 2009, two days after a preseason game in which starting quarterback Tom Brady was injured, and in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions and only threw three completions on 10 attempts. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State.

Detroit Lions

O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009. [44]

New York Jets

On September 6, 2009, the Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets for a seventh round 2011 draft pick. [45] He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots. [46]

On August 31, 2010, New York released O'Connell. [47] O'Connell then found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he had received during the preseason, which required surgery. [48] After his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. He had been on the injured reserve list [49] and was later released again on July 29, 2011. [50]

Miami Dolphins

On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins but was waived on September 3. [51] [52]

New York Jets (second stint)

O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011. [53]

San Diego Chargers

O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012, to be an emergency back-up during the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller having recently retired. [54] He was released on August 12.

Career statistics

YearTeamGamesPassingRushing
GPGSCmpAttPctYdsY/ATDIntRtgAttYdsAvgTD
2008 NE 204666.7233.80073.63-6-2.00
Career [55] 204666.7233.80073.63-6-2.00

Coaching career

Cleveland Browns

After spending the previous two years as a private quarterbacks coach in Carlsbad, California with clients including Johnny Manziel, Logan Thomas, Marcus Mariota, and Bryce Petty, it was announced on February 17, 2015, that O'Connell was hired as the quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns. That began his full-time coaching career and reunited him with Mike Pettine, who was the defensive coordinator for the Jets during O'Connell's stint as a player there, as well as Manziel, who was a client of O’Connell’s prior to the 2014 NFL Draft. [56]

San Francisco 49ers

O'Connell was hired to the offensive staff of the San Francisco 49ers on February 26, 2016. [57]

Washington Redskins

O'Connell, left, on the sidelines with Alex Smith prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys, December 2019 Alex Smith 2019.jpg
O'Connell, left, on the sidelines with Alex Smith prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys, December 2019

On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins under head coach Jay Gruden. [58] In 2019, with Bill Callahan as the interim head coach, O'Connell was promoted to offensive coordinator. [59] After the 2019–20 regular season, he was not retained by incoming new head coach Ron Rivera. [60]

Los Angeles Rams

On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams to be their new offensive coordinator. [61] In his second season with the Rams, their offense ranked second-best in receiving touchdowns (41), fifth-highest in total yards (4,893), and eighth-best in total touchdowns (63) as the team won Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. [62] [63]

Minnesota Vikings

On February 16, 2022, just three days after winning Super Bowl LVI, O'Connell was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as the 10th head coach in their franchise history. [64] [65] The hiring reunited him with quarterback Kirk Cousins, whom O'Connell had coached in 2017 (Cousins' final year with the Washington Redskins). O'Connell won his first game as head coach against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2022 season by a score of 23–7. [66]

O'Connell led the Vikings to a 13–4 record on the season, tying Matt LaFleur and Jim Harbaugh for the second-most wins for a rookie head coach in NFL history, which included an 11–0 record in games decided by one score, including the biggest comeback in NFL history. The Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2017, which was good enough for the NFC's third seed, but were defeated by the New York Giants in the Wild Card round by a score of 31–24. [67]

In 2023, the Vikings regressed, losing the first three games of the season, then losing Kirk Cousins for the year due to an Achilles injury in a Week 8 tilt against the Packers. Despite a surprising pair of wins under freshly acquired quarterback Joshua Dobbs, the Vikings lost six of their last seven games to finish the year with a 7–10 record, the only win in that stretch being a 3–0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

After Kirk Cousins left the Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons after the season, O'Connell worked closely with veteran free agent quarterback Sam Darnold and rookie first round pick J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 off-season. A preseason knee injury to McCarthy complicated the team's plans for quarterback progression, leading to Darnold becoming the sole starter for 2024. O'Connell guided the Vikings to a 14–3 record, the second most wins in franchise history, with both Darnold and newly acquired running back Aaron Jones registering career highs in passing and rushing yards, respectively. However, due to a Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Vikings became the first 14-win team to settle for a Wild Card round berth, finishing second in the NFC North to the Lions. In the second match of the season O'Connell had against his former mentor Sean McVay, the Vikings lost to the Los Angeles Rams 27–9 in a game played at State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to the wildfires in southern California. Including the postseason, all four of the 2024 Vikings' losses came at the hands of either the Lions or the Rams.

On January 21, 2025, O'Connell signed a contract extension with the Vikings. [68] Two days later, he was honored by the Pro Football Writers Association as the 2024 Head Coach of the Year. [69]

Head coaching record

TeamYearRegular seasonPostseason
WonLostTiesWin %FinishWonLostWin %Result
MIN 2022 1340.7651st in NFC North01.000Lost to New York Giants in NFC Wild Card Game
MIN 2023 7100.4123rd in NFC North
MIN 2024 1430.8242nd in NFC North01.000Lost to Los Angeles Rams in NFC Wild Card Game
Total34170.66702.000

Personal life

O'Connell and his wife, Leah, have four children: Kaden, Quinn, Kolten, and Callie. [70] [71] He is a parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota. [72] O'Connell has spoken about "hope and faith" as important things relating to leadership in the NFL, and that his faith in Christ has "defined everything" about how he deals with adversity. [73] [74]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marshall Faulk</span> American football player (born 1973)

Marshall William Faulk is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Long</span> American football player and coach (born 1963)

Charles Franklin Long Jr. is an American football coach and former player who is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played as a quarterback in college for the Iowa Hawkeyes under coach Hayden Fry and professionally with the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. After his professional career, Long was an assistant coach at Iowa and Oklahoma before serving as the head football coach for the San Diego State Aztecs. Long also held a position as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas Jayhawks under head coach Turner Gill. Long is the CEO and executive director of the Iowa Sports Foundation, the organization that runs the Iowa Games, the Senior Games, Adaptive Sports Iowa, Iowa Corporate Games and the Live Healthy Iowa challenge, as well as an analyst for the Big Ten Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rocky Long</span> American football player and coach (born 1950)

Roderick John Long Jr. is an American college football coach and former player currently working as a defensive analyst at Fort Lewis College. He was previously the defensive coordinator at Syracuse and New Mexico. He was a head coach at New Mexico and then San Diego State. He played professionally with BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Detroit Wheels of World Football League (WFL).

Darnay Scott is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.

Gregory D. Tolver Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), and Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego State Aztecs</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of San Diego State University

The San Diego State Aztecs are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent San Diego State University (SDSU). The university fields 17 varsity teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division I, primarily as a member of the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs football team competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of NCAA football competition. The Aztecs nickname was chosen by students in 1925; team colors are scarlet (red) and black. As of 2021, athletes from the university had won 14 medals at the Olympic Games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego State Aztecs football</span> College football team

The San Diego State Aztecs football team is the college football program that represents San Diego State University (SDSU). The Aztecs compete in NCAA Division I (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MW). The team plays its home games at Snapdragon Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dennis Shaw</span> American football player (born 1947)

Dennis Wendell Shaw is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and Kansas City Chiefs. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.

Brian William Russell is a former American football safety who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 2001 to 2009. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2001 and last played for the Houston Texans. He played college football at The University of Pennsylvania and San Diego State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Borges</span> American football coach (born 1955)

Alan Anthony Borges is an American football coach. Borges is known for quarterback development having mentored Cade McNown and Jason Campbell, both first round NFL draft picks. Borges has been described as "one of the best offensive coordinators I've ever seen," by former Auburn head coach Pat Dye.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Craft</span> American football player (born 1985)

Kevin Craft is a former American football quarterback and Head Coach for the IBM Big Blue in the Japanese X-League. He played college football at UCLA.

Darren Webster Mougey is an American professional football executive and former player who is the general manager of the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at San Diego State as a wide receiver and was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 UCLA Bruins football team</span> American college football season

The 2009 UCLA Bruins football team represented the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Under second-year head coach Rick Neuheisel, they opened the season at the Rose Bowl on September 5 against San Diego State. The last game of the season, against USC was moved from the "Championship Saturday" weekend of December. Instead, the UCLA–USC rivalry game was played on Saturday, November 28 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Lindley</span> American gridiron football player and coach (born 1989)

Ryan George Lindley is an American football coach and former quarterback who is currently the senior offensive analyst at San Diego State University. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft. Lindley was also a member of the San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Ottawa Redblacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronnie Hillman</span> American football player (1991–2022)

Ronald Keith Ryan Hillman Jr. was an American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, earning third-team All-American honors as a sophomore in 2011. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft and was a member of their team that won Super Bowl 50. Hillman later spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Mannion (American football)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Sean Thomas Mannion is an American professional football coach and former quarterback who is the quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was their starting quarterback from 2011 to 2014. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, and also played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donnel Pumphrey</span> American football player and coach (born 1994)

Donnel Laray Pumphrey Jr. is an American college football coach and former player who is the running backs coach for California State University, Sacramento, a position he has held since 2023. Pumphrey played college football as a running back for the San Diego State Aztecs. He is the official all-time leader in rushing yards in NCAA Division I FBS history. Pumphrey was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft, and spent offseasons with the Eagles and Detroit Lions. He played for the DC Defenders of the XFL in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Herbert</span> American football player (born 1998)

Justin Patrick Herbert is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, where he won the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, and was selected by the Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rashaad Penny</span> American football player (born 1996)

Rashaad Armein Penny is an American former football running back who played for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs and was drafted by the Seahawks in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. After five seasons with the Seahawks, Penny spent one season with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 2024.

Oluwasegun Olubi is an American professional football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the College of Idaho, Saddleback, Harding, and San Diego State and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

References

  1. Schad, Chris (August 7, 2022). "Adam Thielen on KOC's lack of screaming: 'It's kind of amazing to have a coach that doesn't belittle you". Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  2. Jack McCaffery (September 14, 2023). "McCaffery: Proud father of a Vikings leader will always be a loyal Bulldog". www.delcotimes.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  3. Tomasson, Chris (February 18, 2023). "Father of Vikings Coach Kevin O'Connell Had Key Role in Getting Mafia Boss John Gotti Behind Bars" . Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  4. "Bill O'Connell Pumped for Son Kevin to be Taking Over Vikings". February 21, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  5. 1 2 Ben Goessling (September 10, 2022). "Kevin O'Connell's stubborn optimism sets the Vikings on his long-planned course". www.startribune.com. The Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  6. 1 2 "SDSU Aztecs Biography for Kevin O'Connell". Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
  7. "San Diego State Announces 2003 Recruiting Class" (PDF). goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  8. Gasper, Christopher L. (September 28, 2008). "O'Connell Could be Ready in a Snap". Boston Globe. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  9. 1 2 Canepa, Nick (February 12, 2008). "O'Connell's Shot at NFL Looks Legit". San Diego Union-Tribune . Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  10. Schrotenboer, Brent (November 29, 2007). "Offensive Evolution Under Long Has Come to Pass for the Aztecs". San Diego Union-Tribune . Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  11. "Kevin O'Connell 2003 Pro Style Quarterback San Diego State". n.rivals.com. Yahoo. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  12. "Aztec Head Football Coach Tom Craft Announces His Second Recruiting Class". www.goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. February 2, 2003. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  13. "2003 Season Preview" (PDF). San Diego State University Athletics. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  14. "Aztecs lose Hall for up to 6 weeks". San Diego Union-Tribune. September 1, 2003. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  15. "Dlugolecki feeling secure as Aztecs' top quarterback". San Diego Union-Tribune. March 13, 2004. Retrieved January 25, 2005.
  16. "O'Connell sets goal to spring into QB job". San Diego Union-Tribune. August 28, 2004 via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. "San Diego State makes QB change". www.deseret.com. Deseret News. October 19, 2004. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  18. Robert Gagliardi (September 1, 2004). "MWC teams settle on starting QBs". www.wyomingnews.com. Wyoming News. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  19. "O'Connell gets start for Aztecs". www.sandiegouniontribune.com. The San Diego Union-Tribune. October 19, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  20. Dirk Facer (October 30, 2004). "'Home game' looms for Alex". www.deseretcom. Deseret News. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  21. Bernie Wilson (October 29, 2004). "Aztecs Fall To Undefeated Utes, 51-28". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  22. "BYU game glance". www.deseret.com. Deseret News. November 8, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  23. "San Diego State Snaps Six-Game Losing Streak Over Air Force". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. November 12, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  24. "San Diego State 21-3 UNLV (Nov 20, 2004)". www.espn.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. November 20, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  25. "Mougey, Sampson Lead Black Team To 28-14 Win In Aztec Spring Finale". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. March 25, 2005. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  26. "SDSU Names Starting Quarterback". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. August 20, 2005. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  27. "Aztecs' O'Connell picks apart Spartans". www.eastbaytimes.com. MediaNews Group. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  28. "Aztec Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes Vs. BYU". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. September 26, 2005. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  29. Linda Hamilton. "Aztecs thrive vs. teams from Utah". www.deseretcom. Deseret News. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  30. "TCU Rallies To Beat San Diego State 23-20". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. October 28, 2005. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  31. 1 2 "Kevin O'Connell College Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  32. McGrane, Mick (December 6, 2005). "SDSU fires Craft: Athletic director says program needs more energy, confidence". The San Diego Union-Tribune . Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  33. "SDSU Football Head Coach Chuck Long Press Conference Quotes". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. March 20, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  34. "Quotes from the Red & Black Game". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. April 14, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  35. "SDSU Football's Annual Family Day Football Scrimmage Proves To Be A Low-Scoring Affair". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. August 18, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  36. "SDSU Quarterback Kevin O'Connell to Undergo Surgery". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. September 1, 2006. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  37. "Payback's a cinch against UNLV". thedailyaztec.com. The Daily Aztec. November 12, 2006. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  38. "San Diego State-Colorado State Postgame Notes". goaztecs.com. San Diego State University Athletics. December 2, 2006. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
  39. "Kevin O'Connell Shines in Hula Bowl". Associated Press. January 12, 2008. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2009.
  40. "Kevin O'Connell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  41. "Kevin OConnell, San Diego State, QB, 2008 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  42. "Kevin O'Connell 2008 NFL Draft Profile". ESPN . Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  43. "2008 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  44. ""hnfl/trainingcamp09"". espn.com. September 1, 2009.
  45. Kowalski, Tom (February 22, 2010). "Lions have seven picks in upcoming draft". MLive.com. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  46. Florio, Mike (September 20, 2009). "Kevin O'Connell, team captain?". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  47. Cimini, Rich (August 31, 2010). "Jets cut QB Kevin O'Connell". ESPN New York. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
  48. Star-Ledger Staff (September 3, 2010). "Jets lose confidence in rookie running back Joe McKnight". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  49. Star-Ledger Staff (September 8, 2010). "Jets re-sign Kevin O'Connell". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  50. Mehta, Manish (July 29, 2011). "Jets release backup QB Mark Brunell, still waiting on Nnamdi Asomugha". New York Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2011.
  51. Nelson, Chris (August 5, 2011). "Miami Dolphins sign quarterback Kevin O'Connell to one year contract". Bleacherreport.com.
  52. Nogle, Kevin (September 3, 2011). "Miami Dolphins roster cut 4 qb Kevin O'Connell". ThefinInsider.com.
  53. Vrentas, Jenny (September 4, 2011). "Jets awarded four players off waivers, including QB Kevin O'Connell; cut Aaron Maybin". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  54. Bair, Scott (July 29, 2012). "Chargers Notes: Former LCC, Aztecs QB O'Connell signed as emergency fill-in". North County Times. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  55. "Kevin O'Connell". pro-football-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  56. Gribble, Andrew (February 17, 2015). "Kevin O'Connell hired to coach QBs as Browns round out offensive staff". ClevelandBrowns.com. Cleveland Browns. Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
  57. Jackson, Zac (February 26, 2016). "49ers adding O'Connell to offensive staff". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  58. Jackson, Zac (January 20, 2017). "Kevin O'Connell will coach quarterbacks in Washington". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  59. "Redskins Promote Kevin O'Connell To Offensive Coordinator; Matt Cavanaugh Moves To Senior Offensive Assistant". Washington Commanders. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  60. Hoffman, Craig (January 7, 2020). "Kevin O'Connell amicably departs as Redskins hire Scott Turner as OC". thefandc.radio.com. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  61. Jackson, Stu. "Rams announce 2020 coaching additions". therams.com. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  62. "2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  63. "Los Angeles Rams come back to win Super Bowl LVI 23–20 in front of hometown crowd". NBC News. February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  64. "Minnesota Vikings Name Kevin O'Connell 10th Head Coach In Franchise History". vikings.com. February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  65. "Minnesota Vikings officially hire 'innovative' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  66. "Packers vs. Vikings - Box Score - September 11, 2020". ESPN.com. September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  67. Campbell, Dave (January 16, 2023). "Giants outlast Vikings 31-24 for 1st playoff win in 11 years". AP News. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  68. Peters, Craig (January 21, 2025). "Vikings Agree to Contract Extension with Head Coach Kevin O'Connell". vikings.com. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  69. Peters, Craig (January 23, 2025). "Kevin O'Connell Named PFWA Coach of the Year". vikings.com. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  70. "Who is Kevin O'Connell's Wife". January 3, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  71. Pareek, Keshav (November 22, 2024). "How Many Kids Does Kevin O'Connell Have? All About Vikings HC's Family". EssentiallySports. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  72. "Leadership Lessons with Kevin O'Connell". Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. May 19, 2024.
  73. Ragatz, Will (April 20, 2024). "Kevin O'Connell Gives Great Answer to Draft Question at Church Event". Minnesota Vikings On SI. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  74. Kevin O'Connell, Tim Westermeyer (April 19, 2024). April 18, 2024 - Kevin O'Connell - Faith & Leadership: Coaching in the NFL. St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. 8:45 minutes in.