The 2025 NFL season has been a roller coaster ride for the Minnesota Vikings, who have gone from a team that could be frisky in the NFC to a squad that will likely miss the NFL playoffs and have a lot of questions surrounding the future of the franchise, especially at the quarterback position with J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has come under fire lately due to the team’s shortcomings and the lack improvement from McCarthy under center during the young quarterback’s first full season in the league.
Despite the Vikings’ struggles through the first 12 games of the season, with the team sporting a disappointing record of 4-8, O’Connell has his supporters in Minnesota.
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Gets Some Much-Needed Support
GettyHead coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings.
On Tuesday, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips showed his support for O’Connell during this disappointing 2025 campaign during media availability.
“I think if you have a good football coach in this league, and this is just my opinion, but this league has, whether it’s all the media coverage or whatever it may be, has gotten to a point where the solution is always just cut bait, blow it up and start new,” Phillips said. “I think if you have a good football coach, those coaches are going to solve problems and find ways to right the ship, and I believe we have a very good football coach. In fact, I know that. I’ve worked with a few.”
Phillips clearly thinks highly of O’Connell, as he believes the head coach is good at his job and some patience is needed to see the team get back to form with McCarthy under center.
“I think when there’s up and down at the quarterback position, as far as different players playing throughout the year, young players learning and growing … I do believe that good coaches will right the ship, find solutions and we’ll be right back where we need to be.”
At this point in time, the Vikings will want to get through the season healthy while ending on a high note over the course of the final five games of the regular season.
O’Connell Expects McCarthy to Start for Vikings in Week 14
GettyHead coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy #9.
Heading into Week 14’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, there’s been some uncertainty about whether McCarthy will play after dealing with a concussion.
However, O’Connell seems confident the Michigan product will be under center to take on the Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota, via Pro Football Talk.
“Expecting, barring any unforeseen changes to where he’s at today, and hopefully having that Wednesday will allow him to have a normal, full week and likely be able to go in as our starter on Sunday,” O’Connell said.
Much like the Vikings, the Commanders have had issues at the quarterback position, with Jayden Daniels finding it difficult to stay healthy. Daniels is currently listed as questionable to play against Minnesota, as he tries to return from an elbow injury.
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