Kevin O’Connell Leads Votes for Coach of the Year in NFL Survey

Well, low external expectations.

One reason O’Connell’s culture is so strong this year is the belief he’s instilled in the Vikings locker room. Players are grounded, confident and selfless – in large part because O’Connell has exhibited those traits.

For what it’s worth, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin garnered the next most votes (3), and four others were considered to some degree: Dan Campbell (2), Andy Reid (2), Sean McVay (1.5) and Sean McDermott (1).

Unsurprisingly, more Vikings received love from league executives.

Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel received one vote for Defensive Player of the Year; T.J. Watt led that category with 13.5. We’ll add the separation should not be so great. “Gink” has 9.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. Watt has 11.5 and 18, plus six forced fumbles.

Also, in the tightest race on Pelissero’s survey, Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah collected 2.5 votes for Executive of the Year, succumbing to Detroit’s Brad Holmes (6), Buffalo’s Brandon Beane (5) and Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman (4.5). In our book, Adofo-Mensah is most deserving because he brought in arguably the most impactful free-agent class in franchise history, headlined by Darnold, Van Ginkel, Aaron Jones, Sr., Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman, and because of his expert acquisition of veteran left tackle Cam Robinson after budding star Christian Darrisaw suffered ACL and MCL injuries.