Why KOC's seat should be hot this year

MaroonBells wrote:

KOC is not on the hot seat, nor should he be. That's just typical internet overreaction. But there's no denying that if this season goes south—for whatever reason, even reasons out of his control—the whispers will start among more reasonable people.

IF he doesn't win a playoff game the Wilfs will deffinetly be having internal conversations.

"Kevin O'Connell has done an amazing job but they can't get over the hump because it's 'pick a QB out of a hat and try to get wins'... Enter: Kyler Murray"@jasonrmcintyre thinks Murray is the missing piece for O'Connell's Vikings pic.twitter.com/gZOJ3cLSfi

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 1, 2026

medaille wrote:

I think KOC is a high quality head coach. I think he's an inexperienced offensive coordinator and QB Coach. I think he's a great leader of men. His teams always play hard. His offenses have been one dimensional despite being highly talented. I think they're too complicated for young QBs, although I don't really understand why that would be, but I've seen enough QBs struggle under it.
I'm not absolutist about a playoff win, but I need to see some progress on running the ball, becoming more multiple in his passing game concepts, and tailoring his scheme to his QB.
If were a top 5 offense the second half of the season and its clicking, but we lose against the Rams, I'd be willing to run it back.

I think you nailed it here. His leadership qualities are off the charts. Keeping the team fighting last year showed his worth.

Hopefully he grows as an OC. He seems to recognize his shortcomings, just needs to overcome them.

Fun fact:

Mike Tice got his first playoff win in year 3 at the helm. Mike Tice!! Year 3!! If OConnell can't get this team to the playoffs and win a game..it's year 5 and it's time to go in a different direction.

supafreak84 wrote:

Fun fact:
Mike Tice got his first playoff win in year 3 at the helm. Mike Tice!! Year 3!! If OConnell can't get this team to the playoffs and win a game..it's year 5 and it's time to go in a different direction.

Again, and I guess we need to say it again: he's had to use 8 different starting QBs in his tenure....yet tied for 5th in most wins in the NFL the last 4 seasons. The closest team to that (amount of started QBs) and has exactly the same record (outside the playoffs) is San Francisco with 4. Half the amount.

This is your drum you beat, I get it. But if you can't understand the added difficulty of that, not sure what to tell you....I mean that's the 'fun fact' to take away from that.

greediron wrote:

I think you nailed it here. His leadership qualities are off the charts. Keeping the team fighting last year showed his worth.

Hopefully he grows as an OC. He seems to recognize his shortcomings, just needs to overcome them.

His record is very good especially given the cast of characters at QB. If the Vikings don't produce offensively this year..it will be Phillips who is sacrificed for a real Offensive Coordinator instead of a practice day assistant for KOC.

StickierBuns wrote:

Again, and I guess we need to say it again: he's had to use 8 different starting QBs in his tenure....yet tied for 5th in most wins in the NFL the last 4 seasons. The closest team to that (amount of started QBs) and has exactly the same record (outside the playoffs) is San Francisco with 4. Half the amount.
This is your drum you beat, I get it. But if you can't understand the added difficulty of that, not sure what to tell you....I mean that's the 'fun fact' to take away from that.

Where does OConnells blame lie with that cast of quarterbacks? He's been widely deferred to when it's come to quarterbacks and he's been on board with the competitive rebuild and building around a young quarterback on a rookie contract since day 1. So, again...you can't cry or make excuses at the cast of quarterbacks he's had and not lay a huge amount of that blame (and deservedly so) on OConnell himself. You are trying to give him an excuse for a problem he helped create. There's another fun fact.

supafreak84 wrote:

Where does OConnells blame lie with that cast of quarterbacks? He's been widely deferred to when it's come to quarterbacks and he's been on board with the competitive rebuild and building around a young quarterback on a rookie contract since day 1. So, again...you can't cry or make excuses at the cast of quarterbacks he's had and not lay a huge amount of that blame (and deservedly so) on OConnell himself. You are trying to give him an excuse for a problem he helped create. There's another fun fact.

Honestly, nobody is crying or making excuses. I'm just stating facts. Like you are about his playoff record. In the fact department, we're at a stalemate. Its the nuances and the perspective that make all the difference.

What is the back up qb % starts average for KOC vs League Avg?

The striking part:

O'Connell: ~23.5%
NFL average: ~12–13%

So O'Connell's Vikings have needed a backup to start roughly 1.8–2.0 times as often as the typical NFL team.

And there's an interesting wrinkle:

• 2022: 0% (record: 13/4)

• 2023: 52.9% — 9 of 17 games (record 7/10)

• 2024: 0% (record 14/3)

• 2025: 41.2% — 7 of 17 games (record 9/8)

That means 16 of his 16 backup starts came in just two seasons, 2023 and 2025.

Not too shabby of a record when he's not putting a Mullens, Hall, Dobbs or other hot garbage out there.

=================================================

What about QB3?

The NFL doesn't publish a standardized "QB3 appeared" statistic, so there isn't an official league-average percentage to quote.

But 11.8% of O'Connell's games requiring a third QB is clearly much higher than normal.

• KOC QB3 actually sees the field: ~11.8% — roughly 2½–4× NFL norm

• KOC QB3 actually has to start: 2.9% — above normal, but less extraordinary

So the Vikings haven't merely had to replace QB1 unusually often under O'Connell. They've unusually often had to go two levels down from QB1.

AI

purplefaithful wrote:

What is the back up qb % starts average for KOC vs League Avg?
The striking part:O'Connell: ~23.5%
NFL average: ~12–13%So O'Connell's Vikings have needed a backup to start roughly 1.8–2.0 times as often as the typical NFL team.
And there's an interesting wrinkle:
2022: 0% (record: 13/4)
2023: 52.9% — 9 of 17 games (record 7/10)
2024: 0% (record 14/3)
2025: 41.2% — 7 of 17 games (record 9/8)
That means 16 of his 16 backup starts came in just two seasons, 2023 and 2025.
Not too shabby of a record when he's not putting a Mullens, Hall, Dobbs or other hot garbage out there.
=================================================
What about QB3?
The NFL doesn't publish a standardized "QB3 appeared" statistic, so there isn't an official league-average percentage to quote.
But 11.8% of O'Connell's games requiring a third QB is clearly much higher than normal.
KOC QB3 actually sees the field: ~11.8% — roughly 2½–4× NFL norm
KOC QB3 actually has to start: 2.9% — above normal, but less extraordinary
So the Vikings haven't merely had to replace QB1 unusually often under O'Connell. They've unusually often had to go two levels down from QB1.
AI

purplefaithful wrote:

What is the back up qb % starts average for KOC vs League Avg?
The striking part:O'Connell: ~23.5%
NFL average: ~12–13%So O'Connell's Vikings have needed a backup to start roughly 1.8–2.0 times as often as the typical NFL team.
And there's an interesting wrinkle:
2022: 0% (record: 13/4)
2023: 52.9% — 9 of 17 games (record 7/10)
2024: 0% (record 14/3)
2025: 41.2% — 7 of 17 games (record 9/8)
That means 16 of his 16 backup starts came in just two seasons, 2023 and 2025.
Not too shabby of a record when he's not putting a Mullens, Hall, Dobbs or other hot garbage out there.
=================================================
What about QB3?
The NFL doesn't publish a standardized "QB3 appeared" statistic, so there isn't an official league-average percentage to quote.
But 11.8% of O'Connell's games requiring a third QB is clearly much higher than normal.
KOC QB3 actually sees the field: ~11.8% — roughly 2½–4× NFL norm
KOC QB3 actually has to start: 2.9% — above normal, but less extraordinary
So the Vikings haven't merely had to replace QB1 unusually often under O'Connell. They've unusually often had to go two levels down from QB1.
AI

Again, if he hasn't gotten the quarterback position right to this point in his tenure, who within the organization is most to blame for that? Have any of the quarterbacks drafted since he's been here developed? That answer is no. So for someone who is supposed to be this quarterback savant...wheres the evidence? If the wheels fall off this year with Murray...

StickierBuns wrote:

What about 0/2 in the playoffs???

Giants 31/Vikings 24

• The Vikings allowed Daniel Jones to become the first quarterback in NFL playoff history to throw for 300+ yards, rush for 70+ yards, and throw multiple touchdowns in a single game.

• Zero Disruption: The defense generated a weak 23.9% pressure rate, failed to record a single turnover, and rarely flustered New York's offense.

• Complete Yardage Shredding: They surrendered 431 total net yards and 21 first downs to a Giants offense that had been far from explosive during the regular season.

• No Answers for Separating Receivers: Donatell’s rigid zone scheme operated like a cheat code for New York. Crossing routes routinely caused secondary collisions, leaving pass-catchers wide open in space.

• Kirk Cousins (MIN): Threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. And then checked down to TJH with a defender bearing down right up the middle :(

What about Rams debacle?

• The Vikings' offensive line wasn't just hobbled going into that January 2025 Wild Card playoff game against the Rams—they were completely decimated at the worst possible positions, which led to a historic meltdown. [1, 2]

• Loss of Christian Darrisaw: The biggest issue began months earlier when star left tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury. Trying to replace an elite, franchise blindside blocker against a Sean McVay-coached defense is already a losing battle, and the depth pieces simply couldn't hold up in the postseason. [1, 2]

• Brian O'Neill Concussion Knockout: To make matters significantly worse during the actual game, standout right tackle Brian O'Neill had to be pulled to undergo a concussion evaluation. [1]

• The unit was missing its structural anchor, and the resulting reshuffling turned the game into an absolute nightmare for quarterback Sam Darnold, who was sacked a franchise-record-tying 9 times for a loss of 82 yards in the 27-9 defeat

I am not (at all) saying KOC doesnt have improvements to make to his head-coaching...But there is a far broader perspective on his performance a fan can take if they choose to do so...

supafreak84 wrote:

Again, if he hasn't gotten the quarterback position right to this point in his tenure, who within the organization is most to blame for that? Have any of the quarterbacks drafted since he's been here developed? That answer is no. So for someone who is supposed to be this quarterback savant...wheres the evidence? If the wheels fall off this year with Murray...

KC had his best seasons under KOC and so did Darnold - Fact

KOC is 27/7 when he doesnt have to play QB2 or Qb3 - Fact

KOC has had to play Qb2 + Qb3 significantly more then nfl avg - Fact

The only #1 choice at QB KOC has had a chance to work with is JJM and he's missed a huge % of games and development (fact.).

That aint on the HC and I'm not convinced Harbaugh, Shannahan or Andy Reid would have faired any better with those circumstances.

We dont know (for fact) KOC wanted JJM at 10. Nor do we know (for fact) if he wanted to let Dimes or Sammy walk last year or begged to keep him cause JJM wasnt ready?

It is possible he is a victim of bad decision making from his GM who is now a back-room analytic analyst (part fact).

KOC either makes Kyler Murray an All-Pro or he should GTFO.....and Ive been a massive KOC supporter. I'm sick of this QB whisperer bullshit after what I saw with JJM. I'm not saying McCarthy didn't play his roll in this shit show, but there hasn't been a bigger bag fumble than KOC's performance in grooming JJ. Catastrophically bad coaching and handling of the entire situation to the point that I don't EVER want to see him get another shot with a young QB. He has singlehandedly RUINED the idea of drafting and grooming a young QB to over half of this fanbase.

If he can "whisper" the kind of success out of Kyler Murray that he's literally never experienced in his professional career....so be it. I stand corrected and skol to the bowl. But if we get more of the same bullshit.....I'm out.

purplefaithful wrote:

KC had his best seasons under KOC and so did Darnold - Fact
KOC is 27/7 when he doesnt have to play QB2 or Qb3 - Fact
KOC has had to play Qb2 + Qb3 significantly more then nfl avg - Fact
The only #1 choice at QB KOC has had a chance to work with is JJM and he's missed a huge % of games and development. Not sure Harbaugh, Shannahan or Andy Reid would have faired any better?
We dont know (for fact) KOC wanted JJM at 10. Nor do we know if he wanted to let Dimes or Sammy walk last year or begged to keep him cause JJM wasnt ready.
It is possible he is a victim of bad decision making from his GM who is now a back-room analytic analyst (part fact).

So you really think its possible that Kwesi, who stated numerous times in the media, that he would defer HEAVILY to O'Connells "expertise" and experience when it comes to quarterbacks...just went rogue!? Lol. There is zero percent chance OConnell hasn't been heavily involved in every quarterback decision since he's been here.

supafreak84 wrote:

So you really think its possible that Kwesi, who stated numerous times in the media, that he would defer HEAVILY to O'Connells "expertise" and experience when it comes to quarterbacks...just went rogue!? Lol. There is zero percent chance OConnell hasn't been heavily involved in every quarterback decision since he's been here.

We dont know for sure? Whispers out there now KOC was leaning Nix.

Lean into it all you want. I aint going to try and persuade you otherwise. I think it's quite possible KOC was on JJM sure, but it's not the HC's fault the kid has been injured most of his career and severely limited his development.

Hanging that on any HC is wrong imo, not just KOC.

CFIAvike wrote:

KOC either makes Kyler Murray and All-Pro or he should GTFO.....and Ive been a massive KOC supporter. I'm sick of this QB whisperer bullshit after what I saw with JJM. I'm not saying McCarthy didn't play his roll in this shit show, but there hasn't been a bigger bag fumble than KOC's performance in grooming JJ. Catastrophically bad coaching and handling of the entire situation to the point that I don't EVER want to see him get another shot with a young QB. He has singlehandedly RUINED the idea of drafting and grooming a young QB to over half of this fanbase.

If he can "whisper" the kind of success out of Kyler Murray that he's literally never experienced in his professional career....so be it. I stand corrected and skol to the bowl. But if we get more of the same bullshit.....I'm out.

My sentiments exactly. Put up or shut up time. No more excuses

purplefaithful wrote:

What about 0/2 in the playoffs???
Giants 31/Vikings 24
The Vikings allowed Daniel Jones to become the first quarterback in NFL playoff history to throw for 300+ yards, rush for 70+ yards, and throw multiple touchdowns in a single game.
Zero Disruption: The defense generated a weak 23.9% pressure rate, failed to record a single turnover, and rarely flustered New York's offense.
Complete Yardage Shredding: They surrendered 431 total net yards and 21 first downs to a Giants offense that had been far from explosive during the regular season.
No Answers for Separating Receivers: Donatell’s rigid zone scheme operated like a cheat code for New York. Crossing routes routinely caused secondary collisions, leaving pass-catchers wide open in space.
Kirk Cousins (MIN): Threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions. And then checked down to TJH with a defender bearing down right up the middle :(
What about Rams debacle?
The Vikings' offensive line wasn't just hobbled going into that January 2025 Wild Card playoff game against the Rams—they were completely decimated at the worst possible positions, which led to a historic meltdown. [1, 2]
Loss of Christian Darrisaw: The biggest issue began months earlier when star left tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury. Trying to replace an elite, franchise blindside blocker against a Sean McVay-coached defense is already a losing battle, and the depth pieces simply couldn't hold up in the postseason. [1, 2]
Brian O'Neill Concussion Knockout: To make matters significantly worse during the actual game, standout right tackle Brian O'Neill had to be pulled to undergo a concussion evaluation. [1]
The unit was missing its structural anchor, and the resulting reshuffling turned the game into an absolute nightmare for quarterback Sam Darnold, who was sacked a franchise-record-tying 9 times for a loss of 82 yards in the 27-9 defeat

I am not (at all) saying KOC doesnt have improvements to make to his head-coaching...But there is a far broader perspective on his performance a fan can take if they choose to do so...

I think a the bigger issue for KOC isn't his culpability for the QBs, but for his play calling. Without CD and a weak middle, he continued to use deep drops and rarely stayed committed to the run game.

In fact, I would say the lack of run game has been his biggest issue. He attempted to throw money at it last year by fixing the o-line.

This year, to his credit he hired a coach that should help him establish it and stick to it.

greediron wrote:

I think a the bigger issue for KOC isn't his culpability for the QBs, but for his play calling. Without CD and a weak middle, he continued to use deep drops and rarely stayed committed to the run game.

In fact, I would say the lack of run game has been his biggest issue. He attempted to throw money at it last year by fixing the o-line.
This year, to his credit he hired a coach that should help him establish it and stick to it.

I agree...

I think running the ball effectively is a big area, I hope his decision to bring Smith on board finally addresses that.

purplefaithful wrote:

We dont know for sure? Whispers out there now KOC was leaning Nix.
Lean into it all you want. I aint going to try and persuade you otherwise. I think it's quite possible KOC was on JJM sure, but it's not the HC's fault the kid has been injured most of his career and severely limited his development.
Hanging that on any HC is wrong imo, not just KOC.

I believe there are people out there trying to media protect KOC in some regards. I remember some time in 2024 he claimed he was the "Quarterback killer" fighting off some bad decisions. One that I believe was mentioned was Will Levis. So for one to believe that any of these QB's were just "Hung around KOC's neck" to me is very naive. Either way, I think another point under all this is simple. What the hell happened? If KOC IS the QB whisperer, how come so many excuses? Get it done. You have Murray, a #1 overall pick. If you can't do it now, what makes anyone think he ever could?