Kevin O’Connell’s Nuclear Option

Kevin O’Connell’s Nuclear Option K. Joudry | Published : Nov 12, 2026 Follow Us Facebook Twitter Reddit WhatsApp Email Copy Link Copy Link Link Copied If, in the end, the Kirk Cousins pickup doesn’t spark a revival on offense, then there is but one option remaining for Kevin O’Connell: surrender play calling. Minnesota’s affable, well-liked skipper appears to take pride in making the offense look snazzy. And, for whatever it’s worth, that’s not an inherently bad thing. Scheming up explosive gains for Justin Jefferson is to be applauded. But when things fall flat so consistently, there needs to be some tough conversations. As a result, there needs to be some Cousins brilliance if the Vikings are to avoid some very uncomfortable realities during the 2026 season. Kevin O’Connell and the Possible Fix Few are Discussing The obvious issue that arises in the plausible fiction being explored is who will do the play calling. In all likelihood, OC Wes Phillips would need to fill the role, though he does come with some uncertainty about his effectiveness. In that uncertainty, though, is some possibility of upside that flows from untapped potential. Consider how VT’s Tom Rudelius discussed that issue in his recent article : “Barring such a QB trade, the only path forward is to hand over playcalling duties to someone else. Kevin O’Connell can continue to be the head coach and culture-setter for the Vikings, but at this point, even an unproven offensive playcaller like OC Wes Phillips is preferable. The former is unlikely to be great but brings upside potential; the latter has shown that he simply cannot cut it.” Since then, Cousins has been acquired, so Rudelius may adjust his calculus now that he’s got some further information. There’s nevertheless some good insight contained in his rationale. If Phillips isn’t the replacement, then Frank Smith (the assistant head coach who was the OC in Miami) could be the one to see the responsibility added onto his plate. Pull up the league-wide numbers at a spot like Pro Football Reference . What you’ll find is pretty wild. Consider where the Vikings rank for Kevin O’Connell’s side of the operation: 2,134 Yards Gained | 32nd in NFL 146 Points Scored | 29th in NFL 8 Passing TDs | 27th in NFL 3 Rushing TDs | 32nd in NFL Keep in mind, folks, that football is an interconnected game. Getting such great field position and so many field goals from the special teams make life way easier for the offense. Likewise, the terrific work from the Brian Flores defene makes life easier for the offense. Even these advantages, though, haven’t led to an impressive crew for Coach O’Connell. Oh, and then there’s a true elite talent in WR1 Justin Jefferson giving the Vikings a weekly edge. So far, that’s an advantage that has been squandered over and over again. Maybe Cousins fixes it; if, however, Cousins fails to do so, then the spotlight will shine a lot brighter on Coach O’Connell. In the scenario being explored here, Kevin O’Connell would cede ground as it relates to a very direct coaching impact during games. Put differently, his fingerprints wouldn’t be so easy to find since it’s another person — presumably, Coach Phillips or Smith — deciding what play to call and when. Where O’Connell could still make his presence felt is as a communication, culture, and consensus wizard. Be about the vibes, as the kids would say. Keep things upbeat and loose while offering broad directives over the strategy while then getting out of the way to allow other coaches to bring the offense, defense, and special teams to life in a granular, moment-to-moment manner. Kevin O’Connell isn’t likely to find himself in this scenario; prying playcalling out his hands isn’t something he appears keen about. What’s nevertheless true, though, is that things simply aren’t working. Or, at least, they haven’t been. Kirk Cousins is being looked at at the savior to fix all that ails the Vikings’ horrendous offense. Seeing Cousins fail would leave but one final option that Kevin O’Connell likely wants to avoid. The Vikings’ Week 10 game takes place in Green Bay. Losing that one would mean sitting at a 6-3 record due to a three-game losing streak. Discover more from Vikings Territory Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe By K. Joudry Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.