Kevin O’Connell Sees Kyler Murray as a Long Term Solution for Vikings Despite Having JJ McCarthy

To put it mildly, many in the football circle believed that Kyler Murray could do himself a world of good if he were to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, where he would play under Kevin O’Connell.

Their logic was based on the simple fact that the head coach is a wizard and knows how to get the best out of whoever plays under him. Heck, even JJ McCarthy surprised everyone by leading the team to four out of their five straight wins to end the 2025 season.

At the time, many felt the Michigan Wolverines alum had done enough to cement himself as the team’s de facto starting quarterback. But little did he, or the Vikings fan base, know that he might have to fight for his job again.

Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was frustrated, as were the team’s other offensive weapons, who felt the 2024 10th overall pick was too passive.

Then came the bombshell that Kevin O’Connell did not want to lose Sam Darnold. Now, the team has managed to bring in another quarterback in the form of Kyler Murray, and unsurprisingly, the 40-year-old head coach is all in.

While Murray still has to win the job from McCarthy, what O’Connell said to Murray did stick with him—that he was the one guy on the market that they could see as a potential longer-range answer, rather than a one-year Band-Aid.

Albert Breer noted

The Sports Illustrated journalist believes O’Connell is not playing around with Murray in his QB room and wants him for the long run. This stance is not surprising after how the head coach seemingly helped to seal the deal.

Kevin O’Connell’s words led Kyler Murray to sign with Vikings

Before Kyler Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he was being courted by a couple of other teams. But during his meeting alongside his representatives and those of the franchise, Albert Breer revealed what cemented their union.

O’Connell pulled Murray aside and told him he wanted him to come aboard. Murray responded, ‘This is where I want to be.’

Albert Breer revealed

Murray might not fit the description of O’Connell’s typical quarterbacks. In his career as offensive coordinator with the then-Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Rams, who he helped win Super Bowl LVI, and the Vikings, he has had traditional pocket passers to work with.

But the quarterback whisperer saying this to the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback seemingly confirms that Kevin O’Connell sees something in the dynamic playmaker.

Maybe that’s why he went out of his way to ensure Kyler Murray felt good about signing with the Vikings. Now, the head coach will be able to push both the 5’10” QB and JJ McCarthy to battle for the QB1 job.

Kevin O’Connell always felt Kyler Murray was a problem

The Minnesota Vikings did not just go after Kyler Murray just because he was one of the available quarterbacks. Tua Tagovailoa was also available, and so was former starting QB Kirk Cousins, who the Atlanta Falcons released.

With such options available, it was surprising to some when the franchise chose the two-time Pro Bowler. But one video clip resurfacing after Murray signed points to why they wanted him.

Hey, you’re always a problem, bro. Keep doing your thing.

O’Connell told Kyler Murray

“You’re always a problem bro. Keep doing your thing.”#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell to Kyler Murray back in 2022

🎥: @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/Cil4oMHxLh

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) March 13, 2026

These were the head coach’s words to a player he didn’t yet know he would eventually coach. This was from the 2024 season, which means O’Connell had a high opinion of his newest QB for quite some time.

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