Kevin O’Connell won the NFL’s Coach Of the Year award on Thursday. The win was unsurprising, as O’Connell and the Vikings exceeded preseason expectations by going 14-3. The preseason projections were low because the Vikings had to replace Kirk Cousins and start either rookie J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell joins SI's Claudette Montana to discuss winning NFL Coach of the Year, Sam Darnold's contract and J.J. McCarthy's upside.

O’Connell earned the notable award by beating out substantial competition. Dan Campbell of the Lions was the runner-up, while Andy Reid of the Chiefs finished in third place. Sean Payton of the Saints and Dan Quinn of the Commanders finished fourth and fifth, respectively.