Stephen A. Smith tells Kevin O'Connell he's 'lucky' to coach Vikings
The short version
- Stephen A. Smith said Kevin O'Connell is lucky to still be Vikings head coach
- Smith cited the decision to start J.J. McCarthy, who had never thrown an NFL pass
- Minnesota is 2-0 this season with wins over Green Bay and Chicago
- O'Connell has two seasons of 13-plus wins and one losing season in Minnesota
The ESPN commentator pointed to Minnesota's quarterback situation and the J.J. McCarthy experiment as reasons Kevin O'Connell still holds his job.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had a blunt assessment for Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, saying the coach is fortunate to remain in his position despite the team's overall success under his leadership.
Smith's comments centered on the quarterback position. Speaking on ESPN, he said the Vikings are a good team whose season could be derailed by shaky quarterback play, pointing to their receivers and elite defense as strengths.
"When you are handed the reins to J.J. McCarthy who had never thrown a NFL pass, sacrificing a season of Justin Jefferson's career, you are lucky you still have your job," Smith said.
O'Connell has posted two seasons of 13 or more wins with the Vikings and has just one losing season as head coach. Minnesota struggled last season, however, with McCarthy starting at quarterback.
The Vikings have opened the current campaign at 2-0 with victories over the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, allowing just three points to Chicago before Caleb Williams was injured. Kyler Murray is set to return for Minnesota's upcoming game against Tampa Bay.