Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell points to the crowd as he walks off the field against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

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‘Make that make sense?’- Twitter erupts as Kevin O’Connell wins NFL Coach of the Year

Fans furious over Kevin O'Connell's Coach of the Year win

Kevin O’Connell winning NFL Coach of the Year has sparked outrage across social media. Fans can’t wrap their heads around how he earned the honor over coaches like Dan Campbell and Dan Quinn.

The Minnesota Vikings had a solid season, finishing 14-3. They bounced back from a disappointing 7-10 record in 2023. However, many fans argue that other coaches had stronger cases for the award.

Fans criticize Kevin O’Connell’s selection

Reactions came pouring in after the announcement.

One fan bluntly asked:

“Kevin O’Connell NFL Coach of the Year?
0-2 vs. Dan Campbell
Didn’t win his Division
5th seed in the playoffs
Make that make sense?”

Kevin O’Conell NFL Coach of the Year?

0-2 vs. Dan Campbell
Didn’t win his Division
5th seed in the playoffs

Make that make sense?
— Booner (@boonersports) February 7, 2025

Another tweet hit O’Connell’s divisional record, saying:

“Kevin O’Connell will have the coach of the year award and be the worst HC in his division lmao.”

Fans also compared O’Connell’s season to Campbell’s achievements:

How did Kevin O’Connell beat out MCDC for COY award? Makes no sense, lost twice to him H2H, and the injured QB thing doesn’t carry much weight when the entire Lions D was on the IR.
— Danny (@Hobby_Guy5) February 7, 2025

“How did Kevin O’Connell beat out MCDC for COY award? Makes no sense. Lost twice to him H2H, and the injured QB thing doesn’t carry much weight when the entire Lions D was on the IR.”

The criticism didn’t stop there. One user questioned why Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was overlooked:

What did Kevin O’Connell do this season that Siriani didn’t? Cause I can tell you something Siriani did that O’Connell didn’t 😂
— Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia (@G_Haymans) February 7, 2025

“What did Kevin O’Connell do this season that Siriani didn’t? Cause I can tell you something Siriani did that O’Connell didn’t 😂”

Should Dan Quinn have won?

Dan Quinn’s turnaround with the Washington Commanders also raised eyebrows. In 2023, Washington finished 4-13. Under Quinn’s leadership, the team jumped to a 12-5 record in 2024—marking their first winning season since 2016 and their best since 1991 under Joe Gibbs.

Quinn faced a major rebuild and managed to turn a struggling franchise into a playoff contender. Many believe he had a stronger case for the award.

Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves hinted at his coach’s snub, expressing frustration over the voting process.

The debate on who truly deserved Coach of the Year has taken over the NFL discourse. Fans and analysts agree on one thing—subjectivity plays a major role in these awards, and the criteria remain unclear. Twitter’s ongoing backlash proves this decision isn’t sitting well with football enthusiasts

Image: Imagn Images

Kevin O’Connell

NFL

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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