But instead of securing the victory and the spoils of a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs, the Vikings fell to the No. 5 seed. The loss created a rematch with the Rams, who dropped from the No. 3 to the No. 4 spot after opting to rest multiple starters in Week 18.
The Vikings are 34-17 through three seasons under O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah, who were both hired in early 2022.
They both still have visions for what has been achieved through short-term and mid-range planning, as well as what remains to be accomplished over a longer period.
There are questions to answer, decisions to make, a roster that will require some replenishment and chemistry to develop. The blueprint exists, and they believe the foundation has been poured. Now they want to keep building at this site.
Both participated in end of season press conferences on Thursday, and each was asked to provide an update on their contract statuses.
O’Connell was asked Thursday if he wants to sign a contract extension this year, the final one on his initial contract.
“I do. I do,” O’Connell said before elaborating that he’s had “great dialogue” with the Vikings Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf in reflecting on his third season in which Minnesota went 14-3 but fell in the Wild Card Round of the NFC Playoffs.
O’Connell said he prefers to keep the content of those discussions and any ideal timeline internal.
He then was asked if there’s any form of “tension” in the negotiations.
“What I would say is I love being the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, and with that becomes the fact that I love our Ownership,” O’Connell said. “I have a great relationship with our Ownership and feel so fortunate, not only with just the way they support us and believe in us, but also the impact they have on our players, on our locker room and, ultimately, where we all want to go together. I feel very, very great about that.