The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a contract extension with head coach Kevin O'Connell, it was announced Tuesday.
Despite an agonizing playoff exit in the wild-card round, the Vikings, who went 14-3 during the regular season, renewed O'Connell's tenure in Minnesota.
The franchise announced that it had reached a new multi-year contract extension with the coach. O'Connell was expected to enter the final year of his contract until reaching new terms this week.
“Kevin is exactly who we thought he was when we named him our head coach: an innovative playmaker, an excellent communicator and a strong leader who motivates and connects with his players,” Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf said.
“He has helped establish a culture that positions us for sustained success and will continue to set the standard we need as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the team is also working on an extension for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Minnesota Vikings agree to contract extension with head coach Kevin O'Connell
The Vikings' Super Bowl hopes came to an end in the first round of the NFL playoffs with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
However, O'Connell led the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record, narrowly missing out on the NFC's No. 1 seed in a Week 18 battle for the top spot against the Detroit Lions.
The 39-year-old former quarterback is 34-17 in three seasons as the team's head coach.
O'Connell called it an 'absolute honor' to continue leading the Vikings in a statement shared by the team.
'Holding this prestigious position is something I never take for granted and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Wilf family for their unwavering belief in what we are building together. I also want to thank Leah and our amazing children; “Your love and support allows me to do this work at a high level,” O'Connell said.
'And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our coaches, players and support staff. I can't wait to work with them all again as we continue to build on the high standard we have set and the positive environment we have created.
“To Vikings fans, you are the best in the NFL,” O'Connell added. 'There is no greater joy than leading our team in front of you every Sunday and experiencing the home-field advantage you create. “I'm excited for the years to come.”
More to follow.