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.

O'Connell got 25 first-place votes, 18 seconds and seven thirds, appearing on all 50 ballots. "This season was one I'll always remember. A special football team that came together

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.