Kevin O'Connell - Rebuilding Vikings Culture
Aug 25, 2022 15:03:56 GMT -6
vikingpwr and FSUVike like this
Post by Purple Pain on Aug 25, 2022 15:03:56 GMT -6
These stories continue to come. Does it translate to wins?
5. THE NEW CULTURE
This is kinda the clincher, isn't it? We had a slew of changes, since Denny Green's long run with the team. We've had coaches beloved by the players, beloved by the ownership, hated by one or the other, but again...none has ever put it all together. In this case, we're going from a curmudgeon who seemed incapable of liking any QB not named "Teddy" and his GM who couldn't seem to draft an interior o-line to save his life to...
...well, we don't know, yet. The players seem upbeat, the offseason interviews are all positive, but they usually are. We're gonna be kinda cynical, because we're Vikings fans. We've seen defeat pulled from the jaws of victory in more ways than anyone but Lions fans. We've been beaten, humiliated, and even cheated out of returns to the Super Bowl over the last few decades, and we're more than a little twitchy.
It looks damned good on paper, though. I think I'm gonna mix up another strong glass of Purple Kool-Aid (I make mine with Finnish Vodka) and watch for camp highlights, just like the rest of you...
...SKOL!!!
Zone Coverage: Why Is Everyone Suddenly Drinking the Purple Kool-Aid? by Chris Schad
Link:
zonecoverage.com/2022/minnesota-vikings-news/why-is-everyone-suddenly-drinking-the-purple-kool-aid/
Purple Insider:
Link:
purpleinsider.substack.com/p/the-rundown-center-competition-no
5. THE NEW CULTUREMore about this:
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell doesn’t want to be McVay, Belichick — only himself by Jeff Howe
...
...
...
Link:
theathletic.com/3518455/2022/08/18/vikings-coach-kevin-oconnell-doesnt-want-to-be-mcvay-belichick-only-himself/
Lastly, here is yet another:
Trotter: First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell building Vikings' culture via easy authenticity, strong acuity
...
Good read:
www.nfl.com/news/first-year-head-coach-kevin-o-connell-building-vikings-culture-via-easy-authenti
(copy and paste link into your browser - clicks to NFL.com links will redirect you to its NFL+ promotions)
This is kinda the clincher, isn't it? We had a slew of changes, since Denny Green's long run with the team. We've had coaches beloved by the players, beloved by the ownership, hated by one or the other, but again...none has ever put it all together. In this case, we're going from a curmudgeon who seemed incapable of liking any QB not named "Teddy" and his GM who couldn't seem to draft an interior o-line to save his life to...
...well, we don't know, yet. The players seem upbeat, the offseason interviews are all positive, but they usually are. We're gonna be kinda cynical, because we're Vikings fans. We've seen defeat pulled from the jaws of victory in more ways than anyone but Lions fans. We've been beaten, humiliated, and even cheated out of returns to the Super Bowl over the last few decades, and we're more than a little twitchy.
It looks damned good on paper, though. I think I'm gonna mix up another strong glass of Purple Kool-Aid (I make mine with Finnish Vodka) and watch for camp highlights, just like the rest of you...
...SKOL!!!
Mind games are a part of coaching at all levels, and during an interview this summer, O'Connell said they often achieve the desired result. But early signs suggest O'Connell prefers to avoid them.
"I just feel like it's part of empowering our team," O'Connell said. "From the first day I set foot in this building, I talked about player ownership. They can't own something that they're not completely in understanding of. I just feel like you communicate intentions of what we're trying to get done. You have a clear-cut plan. You give these guys the why behind everything we do, and then it's remarkable how easy it is to connect with them and coach them hard from there, because they understand it.
"There's no Wizard of Oz behind a curtain somewhere. It's, 'Here's the plan for the week. We have to get this, this and this done. Here's how we're going to do it.' And then you've got to be able to have the tough conversations when you don't. You say, 'We didn't do the things that we needed to do, so this is why we have to alter and change.' It's not because of some old trick or some philosophy thing. It's just, 'We're trying to get done some things that need to get done.'"
O'Connell has been in the public eye for more than a decade, as an NFL player for four seasons and then an assistant coach for seven more. He was the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator the past two seasons. But relatively little was known about his personality, approach and leadership values when the Vikings hired him in January at age 36. Much is left to be learned, but during the first few months of his tenure, he has positioned himself in two key ways: (1) as a straight shooter who emphasizes direct communication and (2) as a coach with an inherent understanding that players appreciate attempts to minimize wear and tear on their bodies.
To that end, O'Connell's offseason program and practices prioritized injury prevention and mental reps over physical exertion. He limited most 11-on-11 drills to a "jog-through" pace, and in 2-minute drills, only the skill players went full speed. Even the scope was notable, as O'Connell resisted the urge many first-year coaches feel to use every minute available to him under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.
The CBA, for example, gives new coaches an extra two weeks at the front of the offseason program, but O'Connell used only one of them. His tentative training camp schedule features 11 full-pads practices; the NFL maximum is 16.
O'Connell said much of his practice planning is based on sports science -- he hired Tyler Williams as executive director of player health to overhaul the team's medical staff -- and players said the difference was clear this spring. Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson said he had never felt better at the end of an offseason program.
"No doubt about it," Peterson said. "My body feels great. Guys ask me all the time, 'Does it feel like I'm a Year 12?' No, it really doesn't. I don't know if it's been this offseason, the way Coach has been taking care, or just the sports science in general. ... [But] you can see [the team is] really taking the necessary steps to making sure that guys are on the field on Sundays when we need them."
Whether subconsciously or by design, NFL teams often hire coaches whose approaches differ starkly from their predecessors. Former coach Mike Zimmer was known for conventional, physical practices. By the end of his tenure, the culture of the organization was "fear-based," linebacker Eric Kendricks said in January. Suffice it to say, O'Connell's approach appears far friendlier -- both on and off the field -- and will ask players to take their share of the responsibility.
"It's on us now as well," Kendricks said. "It can't just be on them. It can't just be on who we appoint the head guy. It has to be on the players as well, like myself, who have put those years and time into this league. If I want change, I've got to be that change myself."
"I just feel like it's part of empowering our team," O'Connell said. "From the first day I set foot in this building, I talked about player ownership. They can't own something that they're not completely in understanding of. I just feel like you communicate intentions of what we're trying to get done. You have a clear-cut plan. You give these guys the why behind everything we do, and then it's remarkable how easy it is to connect with them and coach them hard from there, because they understand it.
"There's no Wizard of Oz behind a curtain somewhere. It's, 'Here's the plan for the week. We have to get this, this and this done. Here's how we're going to do it.' And then you've got to be able to have the tough conversations when you don't. You say, 'We didn't do the things that we needed to do, so this is why we have to alter and change.' It's not because of some old trick or some philosophy thing. It's just, 'We're trying to get done some things that need to get done.'"
O'Connell has been in the public eye for more than a decade, as an NFL player for four seasons and then an assistant coach for seven more. He was the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator the past two seasons. But relatively little was known about his personality, approach and leadership values when the Vikings hired him in January at age 36. Much is left to be learned, but during the first few months of his tenure, he has positioned himself in two key ways: (1) as a straight shooter who emphasizes direct communication and (2) as a coach with an inherent understanding that players appreciate attempts to minimize wear and tear on their bodies.
To that end, O'Connell's offseason program and practices prioritized injury prevention and mental reps over physical exertion. He limited most 11-on-11 drills to a "jog-through" pace, and in 2-minute drills, only the skill players went full speed. Even the scope was notable, as O'Connell resisted the urge many first-year coaches feel to use every minute available to him under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.
The CBA, for example, gives new coaches an extra two weeks at the front of the offseason program, but O'Connell used only one of them. His tentative training camp schedule features 11 full-pads practices; the NFL maximum is 16.
O'Connell said much of his practice planning is based on sports science -- he hired Tyler Williams as executive director of player health to overhaul the team's medical staff -- and players said the difference was clear this spring. Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson said he had never felt better at the end of an offseason program.
"No doubt about it," Peterson said. "My body feels great. Guys ask me all the time, 'Does it feel like I'm a Year 12?' No, it really doesn't. I don't know if it's been this offseason, the way Coach has been taking care, or just the sports science in general. ... [But] you can see [the team is] really taking the necessary steps to making sure that guys are on the field on Sundays when we need them."
Whether subconsciously or by design, NFL teams often hire coaches whose approaches differ starkly from their predecessors. Former coach Mike Zimmer was known for conventional, physical practices. By the end of his tenure, the culture of the organization was "fear-based," linebacker Eric Kendricks said in January. Suffice it to say, O'Connell's approach appears far friendlier -- both on and off the field -- and will ask players to take their share of the responsibility.
"It's on us now as well," Kendricks said. "It can't just be on them. It can't just be on who we appoint the head guy. It has to be on the players as well, like myself, who have put those years and time into this league. If I want change, I've got to be that change myself."
The Vikings’ coaching staff spent the first few months of their tenure getting to know each other by attending sporting events. Could you imagine Zimmer and Spielman demolishing some nachos at a Timberwolves game? Or fist bumping Dean Evason at a Wild game? Of course, you couldn’t. But there were the Vikings’ new leaders.
O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah spent the next few weeks retaining most of the roster, but there was still a sense of optimism heading into the draft. In a 20-minute video released by the team, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell can be seen sharing their excitement as they trade down for Lewis Cine and accumulate picks in the “sweet spot” of the draft.
By comparison, a 20-minute video of the Vikings 2021 war room may have needed a parental advisory warning.
OTAs were a life-and-death experience for Zimmer, but O’Connell canceled the final day of practice. Instead, the team got together for a barbeque, complete with Cousins’ signature steaks. Suddenly, the team had come together, things were looking better, and the national pundits started to notice.
It started when Colin Cowherd predicted that the Vikings would double their win total. Although he was probably surprised when he was informed of Minnesota’s actual record, Cowherd still put the Vikings on 13 or 14 wins solely because Zimmer was gone.
MMQB’s Albert Breer slammed a big glass of Kool-Aid earlier this week when he listed a slew of observations from training camp. Darrisaw is now the second coming of Trent Williams. Eric Kendricks has found the fountain of youth. K.J. Osborn and Cam Bynum are ready to break out. Andrew Booth Jr. is the talk of training camp.
Even the coaching staff has been feeling the vibes. When Smith suffered a broken thumb, O’Connell stopped by to tell the media that he needed surgery instead of calling it a flesh wound. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Zach Davidson had dominated in college against “a team of Wes Phillips’.” Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said Greg Joseph could have the best year of his career.
If the Vikings are empowering kickers, everyone is slamming the Kool-Aid faster than a Big Ten fraternity crushes a case of Busch Light. But there are still some people that are a little skeptical.
It’s only natural. Vikings fans are trained to expect the worst, and we haven’t seen this team lose a preseason game. Then again, the Vikings hadn’t lost a game at this point last year.
With the season five weeks away, the Vikings can use all the good vibes they can get. A season-opening game against the Packers isn’t anything to scoff at. If the Kool-Aid keeps flowing, the Vikings really will be in a much better position than they were a year ago.
O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah spent the next few weeks retaining most of the roster, but there was still a sense of optimism heading into the draft. In a 20-minute video released by the team, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell can be seen sharing their excitement as they trade down for Lewis Cine and accumulate picks in the “sweet spot” of the draft.
By comparison, a 20-minute video of the Vikings 2021 war room may have needed a parental advisory warning.
OTAs were a life-and-death experience for Zimmer, but O’Connell canceled the final day of practice. Instead, the team got together for a barbeque, complete with Cousins’ signature steaks. Suddenly, the team had come together, things were looking better, and the national pundits started to notice.
It started when Colin Cowherd predicted that the Vikings would double their win total. Although he was probably surprised when he was informed of Minnesota’s actual record, Cowherd still put the Vikings on 13 or 14 wins solely because Zimmer was gone.
MMQB’s Albert Breer slammed a big glass of Kool-Aid earlier this week when he listed a slew of observations from training camp. Darrisaw is now the second coming of Trent Williams. Eric Kendricks has found the fountain of youth. K.J. Osborn and Cam Bynum are ready to break out. Andrew Booth Jr. is the talk of training camp.
Even the coaching staff has been feeling the vibes. When Smith suffered a broken thumb, O’Connell stopped by to tell the media that he needed surgery instead of calling it a flesh wound. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said Zach Davidson had dominated in college against “a team of Wes Phillips’.” Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said Greg Joseph could have the best year of his career.
If the Vikings are empowering kickers, everyone is slamming the Kool-Aid faster than a Big Ten fraternity crushes a case of Busch Light. But there are still some people that are a little skeptical.
It’s only natural. Vikings fans are trained to expect the worst, and we haven’t seen this team lose a preseason game. Then again, the Vikings hadn’t lost a game at this point last year.
With the season five weeks away, the Vikings can use all the good vibes they can get. A season-opening game against the Packers isn’t anything to scoff at. If the Kool-Aid keeps flowing, the Vikings really will be in a much better position than they were a year ago.
Link:
zonecoverage.com/2022/minnesota-vikings-news/why-is-everyone-suddenly-drinking-the-purple-kool-aid/
No yelling
One of the staples of training camp in the NFL is the sound of coaches barking at players following a miscue. But at Vikings training camp, that has not been the case this year. O’Connell’s coaching style does not feature the mid-practice dress down.
“It's kind of almost awkward when things aren't going well and you're waiting for coach to blow up but the positivity and the energy that they bring even when things aren't going well is something that's really going to set us up to handle adversity,” receiver Adam Thielen said.
The atmosphere that Thielen is describing is one that the veteran players wanted following Mike Zimmer’s time in Minnesota. But Thielen said that the no-yell policy doesn’t mean that O’Connell isn’t coaching them hard.
“The way that they can coach through those tough moments when we put a couple balls on the ground or things that are a little lackadaisical, there's still a sense of urgency still, so he's still on us,” Thielen said.
The overall feeling of camp this year has been less tense than in recent seasons. Between job status, COVID and the revamping of a roster that was largely held together from 2015-2019, the organization was often on edge in Zimmer’s final two years. Having just begun, O’Connell’s approach is yet to be tested by any choppy waters.
One of the staples of training camp in the NFL is the sound of coaches barking at players following a miscue. But at Vikings training camp, that has not been the case this year. O’Connell’s coaching style does not feature the mid-practice dress down.
“It's kind of almost awkward when things aren't going well and you're waiting for coach to blow up but the positivity and the energy that they bring even when things aren't going well is something that's really going to set us up to handle adversity,” receiver Adam Thielen said.
The atmosphere that Thielen is describing is one that the veteran players wanted following Mike Zimmer’s time in Minnesota. But Thielen said that the no-yell policy doesn’t mean that O’Connell isn’t coaching them hard.
“The way that they can coach through those tough moments when we put a couple balls on the ground or things that are a little lackadaisical, there's still a sense of urgency still, so he's still on us,” Thielen said.
The overall feeling of camp this year has been less tense than in recent seasons. Between job status, COVID and the revamping of a roster that was largely held together from 2015-2019, the organization was often on edge in Zimmer’s final two years. Having just begun, O’Connell’s approach is yet to be tested by any choppy waters.
purpleinsider.substack.com/p/the-rundown-center-competition-no
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell doesn’t want to be McVay, Belichick — only himself by Jeff Howe
“I just don’t know any other way. That’s just — right, wrong or indifferent — how I’ve always tried (to be),” O’Connell told The Athletic. “I feel like the No. 1 thing to be is that authentic person, because I think players can see if you’re not. I think the organization can feel that if it’s not real every single day.
“There (will be) times when you’ve got to coach these guys hard. There are still times when you’ve got to coach the coaches hard. Everybody is not always smiling. Everybody is not always having a blast. It’s a professional work environment where ultimately I think being myself fits with that because I have that kind of personality where I want to treat everybody with respect. I want everybody to always know I care about them.”
There’s been an energy shift with O’Connell’s presence. The Vikings, coming off back-to-back sub-.500 seasons, overhauled their leadership structure this offseason. They fired general manager Rick Spielman after 16 seasons with the organization, replacing him with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and ousted coach Mike Zimmer after an eight-year run.
O’Connell, who spent the previous two years as the Rams offensive coordinator, emits a similar vibe to McVay, and it feels natural. They’re both personable, welcoming and collaborative. That has yielded trust with Vikings players, who clearly believe in his plan.
“The collaboration that goes on in this building, I want our players to be empowered,” O’Connell said. “I want it to be a player-led team. I want it to be a team that, with that player ownership and with the type of leadership we have with some of our veteran players, I think that’s when teams are at their best in this league. I’ve seen it. That’s what I know, as something I was a part of that was really successful. That’s what we’re trying to build here.
“Luckily, you’re so hopeful to get that first job as a head coach in this league. They’re very difficult to get. But when you do, and you realize the people you’re going to work with all over our building and, more importantly, the players who are already here, it makes it really fun for me to come here every day and try to continue to build what we’ve already started.”
“There (will be) times when you’ve got to coach these guys hard. There are still times when you’ve got to coach the coaches hard. Everybody is not always smiling. Everybody is not always having a blast. It’s a professional work environment where ultimately I think being myself fits with that because I have that kind of personality where I want to treat everybody with respect. I want everybody to always know I care about them.”
There’s been an energy shift with O’Connell’s presence. The Vikings, coming off back-to-back sub-.500 seasons, overhauled their leadership structure this offseason. They fired general manager Rick Spielman after 16 seasons with the organization, replacing him with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and ousted coach Mike Zimmer after an eight-year run.
O’Connell, who spent the previous two years as the Rams offensive coordinator, emits a similar vibe to McVay, and it feels natural. They’re both personable, welcoming and collaborative. That has yielded trust with Vikings players, who clearly believe in his plan.
“The collaboration that goes on in this building, I want our players to be empowered,” O’Connell said. “I want it to be a player-led team. I want it to be a team that, with that player ownership and with the type of leadership we have with some of our veteran players, I think that’s when teams are at their best in this league. I’ve seen it. That’s what I know, as something I was a part of that was really successful. That’s what we’re trying to build here.
“Luckily, you’re so hopeful to get that first job as a head coach in this league. They’re very difficult to get. But when you do, and you realize the people you’re going to work with all over our building and, more importantly, the players who are already here, it makes it really fun for me to come here every day and try to continue to build what we’ve already started.”
“Even before the offseason program started, reaching out and talking to these guys, really letting them kind of start learning about who I am and who we’re going to be as a staff for them,” O’Connell said. “Once you actually get officially started in the spring and even training camp, we’re working our culture on a daily basis. Our football foundation and philosophies come with that. I’ve hired some incredible teachers, some incredible football minds, but also guys who can connect with these guys on a personal level.
“I want guys to feel like we’re invested in them and ultimately that we’re always going to try to do what we can to win. That’s the bottom line in our business, but we’re going to do it in a way that people enjoy coming to this building every day. And then when we go out on the road together or we go play an opponent at U.S. Bank Stadium, and we’ve got that mindset of we’re all in this doing it our way because it is our team — not just my team.”
“I want guys to feel like we’re invested in them and ultimately that we’re always going to try to do what we can to win. That’s the bottom line in our business, but we’re going to do it in a way that people enjoy coming to this building every day. And then when we go out on the road together or we go play an opponent at U.S. Bank Stadium, and we’ve got that mindset of we’re all in this doing it our way because it is our team — not just my team.”
“Even though Sean has had an unbelievable impact on me and is one of my closest friends and colleagues in this profession, if I tried to be him every single day, I think I would fall short of who I am,” O’Connell said. “And that authenticity would be called into question by some of our players and coaches. If I just continue to use those as resources, use those as experiences that helped shape and form my football philosophy and team-building philosophy, I think I’ll be OK from a standpoint of having my imprint and how I want it on this team.”
“What I’m responsible for, I put everything into,” O’Connell said. “I put my heart and soul into it. I think sometimes that realness and emotion can come out in a way where hopefully guys ultimately feel it coming from a good place because of the foundation I’ve laid just by being myself, just by somebody who cares about everybody in this building each and every day.”
theathletic.com/3518455/2022/08/18/vikings-coach-kevin-oconnell-doesnt-want-to-be-mcvay-belichick-only-himself/
Lastly, here is yet another:
Trotter: First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell building Vikings' culture via easy authenticity, strong acuity
Following a joint workout with the 49ers last week, first-year Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell sat on one of the four manicured grass fields at the team's training facility and leaned back, his long legs seemingly stretching from the 30-yard line to the end zone. He wore jogger pants, a T-shirt and an easy smile as rap music spilled from the raised, garage-like doors of the weight room.
If O'Connell had any stresses or concerns, they were invisible to fans, players and reporters who passed by during the 20 minutes he discussed his professional journey with a visitor. It felt like a lazy summer day spent taking in rays on one of the San Diego beaches O'Connell grew up around. He was that comfortable and relaxed, which, in turn, should make Vikings fans more at ease.
O'Connell's demeanor was not a guarantee of future success, but it was a reflection of someone being true to who he is -- a quality which many in the profession believe is the first step in building a stable foundation. That belief has been expressed to him by the Rams' Sean McVay, the Raiders' Josh McDaniels and the Patriots' Bill Belichick -- current NFL head coaches for whom he has worked or played -- and from Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers coach who has gone to a Super Bowl and two NFC Championship Games over his first five seasons in the big chair.
In an age where coaches tend to be hypersensitive about appearing too close to the media, and where decision-makers tend to major in the minor for no other reason than to make themselves appear to be in control, seeing O'Connell kick back on a practice field ... in full view of everyone ... while chopping it up with a reporter ... was ... um ... different. It also was a sign of authenticity, of him being willing to follow his own playbook, not someone else's.
"Kevin is very bright and one of the best people I've ever met," said McDaniels, New England's offensive coordinator in 2008 when O'Connell, a quarterback, was a third-round selection of the Patriots. "You can do a lot with those two qualities because he's smart and he knows who he is. People will love working for him and playing for him because he knows what it takes. It won't shock me if he has success and has success early."
If O'Connell had any stresses or concerns, they were invisible to fans, players and reporters who passed by during the 20 minutes he discussed his professional journey with a visitor. It felt like a lazy summer day spent taking in rays on one of the San Diego beaches O'Connell grew up around. He was that comfortable and relaxed, which, in turn, should make Vikings fans more at ease.
O'Connell's demeanor was not a guarantee of future success, but it was a reflection of someone being true to who he is -- a quality which many in the profession believe is the first step in building a stable foundation. That belief has been expressed to him by the Rams' Sean McVay, the Raiders' Josh McDaniels and the Patriots' Bill Belichick -- current NFL head coaches for whom he has worked or played -- and from Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers coach who has gone to a Super Bowl and two NFC Championship Games over his first five seasons in the big chair.
In an age where coaches tend to be hypersensitive about appearing too close to the media, and where decision-makers tend to major in the minor for no other reason than to make themselves appear to be in control, seeing O'Connell kick back on a practice field ... in full view of everyone ... while chopping it up with a reporter ... was ... um ... different. It also was a sign of authenticity, of him being willing to follow his own playbook, not someone else's.
"Kevin is very bright and one of the best people I've ever met," said McDaniels, New England's offensive coordinator in 2008 when O'Connell, a quarterback, was a third-round selection of the Patriots. "You can do a lot with those two qualities because he's smart and he knows who he is. People will love working for him and playing for him because he knows what it takes. It won't shock me if he has success and has success early."
Perhaps O'Connell appears so outwardly poised about his situation because he's smart enough to know what he doesn't know. It's why he has stacked his staff with experienced coaches like Pettine, Ed Donatell (defensive coordinator), Wes Phillips (offensive coordinator), Greg Manusky (inside linebackers coach) and Keenan McCardell (wide receivers coach).
At the same time, he has a mental notebook of details and best practices he has culled from seven years as an assistant coach, things that contribute to the type of "we" culture he wants for the team. Many of his beliefs were affirmed the past two seasons with the Rams, where McVay's attitude toward his players and staff was to push hard and love harder.
"I had always kind of thought to myself, This is what I want my culture to be like, this is the positive work environment where people can thrive within their roles. Then I got around the guy that does it as well as anybody in our league, as far as building a culture and allowing players to have some ownership and thrive in their roles, which ultimately builds something that can withstand the adversity that inevitably comes," O'Connell said. "Every NFL team faces adversity in stretches of the season, some more than most, but it's how you handle it in those times. I think you handle them the best in the type of culture we want to build here, where these players look inward and they look to us for leadership and we look to them for the same thing. And then, ultimately, you just be the same guy every single day, right, wrong or indifferent. You push these guys and coach them hard and let them know that you love them and you care about them and their families and everything that goes into it. We won a Super Bowl doing it that way last season.
"I don't know that there is another way that you could tell me that works -- at least for me. Anything else would be a lack of authenticity, and I believe the players would notice it. If the football is right, things will go well. But when it doesn't, that's the true test of ... How do you come together? How do you overcome that adversity together? How do you figure out a way like we did last year?"
While the 2021 Rams eventually edged out the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, netting O'Connell a ring, the road to the Lombardi Trophy wasn't entirely smooth. In fact, Los Angeles went winless in the month of November.
"There were 30-plus days where there were multiple opportunities for that team to start to point fingers and blame coaches, blame me, blame the offense, blame the defense. Not one time did it ever happen or even lean that way, because of the guy leading us and the guys working for him and the leadership of our team. We were all in on that 'we not me' philosophy," O'Connell said. "We haven't played a (regular-season) game yet (in Minnesota), and we have a long way to go before we're even ready to do that, but I just feel like our team, our organization, has at least embraced my intentions of building football philosophy and character that will ultimately hold true for me being my authentic self."
With that, O'Connell rose from the grass field. Having asked his players and staff to commit to the process and give all they can, it was time for him to do the same. There was film to be broken down, evaluations to be made, lessons to be learned -- though he appears to have already mastered one of the most vital coaching fundamentals: being yourself.
At the same time, he has a mental notebook of details and best practices he has culled from seven years as an assistant coach, things that contribute to the type of "we" culture he wants for the team. Many of his beliefs were affirmed the past two seasons with the Rams, where McVay's attitude toward his players and staff was to push hard and love harder.
"I had always kind of thought to myself, This is what I want my culture to be like, this is the positive work environment where people can thrive within their roles. Then I got around the guy that does it as well as anybody in our league, as far as building a culture and allowing players to have some ownership and thrive in their roles, which ultimately builds something that can withstand the adversity that inevitably comes," O'Connell said. "Every NFL team faces adversity in stretches of the season, some more than most, but it's how you handle it in those times. I think you handle them the best in the type of culture we want to build here, where these players look inward and they look to us for leadership and we look to them for the same thing. And then, ultimately, you just be the same guy every single day, right, wrong or indifferent. You push these guys and coach them hard and let them know that you love them and you care about them and their families and everything that goes into it. We won a Super Bowl doing it that way last season.
"I don't know that there is another way that you could tell me that works -- at least for me. Anything else would be a lack of authenticity, and I believe the players would notice it. If the football is right, things will go well. But when it doesn't, that's the true test of ... How do you come together? How do you overcome that adversity together? How do you figure out a way like we did last year?"
While the 2021 Rams eventually edged out the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, netting O'Connell a ring, the road to the Lombardi Trophy wasn't entirely smooth. In fact, Los Angeles went winless in the month of November.
"There were 30-plus days where there were multiple opportunities for that team to start to point fingers and blame coaches, blame me, blame the offense, blame the defense. Not one time did it ever happen or even lean that way, because of the guy leading us and the guys working for him and the leadership of our team. We were all in on that 'we not me' philosophy," O'Connell said. "We haven't played a (regular-season) game yet (in Minnesota), and we have a long way to go before we're even ready to do that, but I just feel like our team, our organization, has at least embraced my intentions of building football philosophy and character that will ultimately hold true for me being my authentic self."
With that, O'Connell rose from the grass field. Having asked his players and staff to commit to the process and give all they can, it was time for him to do the same. There was film to be broken down, evaluations to be made, lessons to be learned -- though he appears to have already mastered one of the most vital coaching fundamentals: being yourself.
Good read:
www.nfl.com/news/first-year-head-coach-kevin-o-connell-building-vikings-culture-via-easy-authenti
(copy and paste link into your browser - clicks to NFL.com links will redirect you to its NFL+ promotions)
... and neither is this Chris guy.