Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell addresses surprising rumor about his future

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell addressed reports that his long-term future is in flux and could even lead to a trade.

O’Connell firmly denied the rumors when addressing the media on Monday. He made clear that he wants to remain with the organization and has no plans of going anywhere else.

“I’m not really interested in kind of addressing the rumors or speculation,” O’Connell said, via Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “What I can tell you is I love this team. I love everything about this organization. This is where I want to be. This is where I want to keep coaching and leading.”

Reports emerged Sunday suggesting that O’Connell is the subject of trade interest from multiple teams, and the Vikings might listen to the coach heading into the final year of his contract. The Vikings responded by saying that they still see O’Connell as part of their future.

O’Connell led the Vikings to a surprising 14-3 record this season and is the favorite to win NFL Coach of the Year honors. The team has no reason to want to part with him, and it sounds like he wants to stay.