The Minnesota Vikings officially announced the hiring of Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell as the team’s 10th head coach in franchise history.  The move officially put to rest speculation that O’Connell might stay in Los Angeles.

A first-time head coach, the 36-year-old O’Connell will replace Mike Zimmer, who was fired after eight seasons in Minnesota. The Vikings had interviewed four finalists for the job, along with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, former New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and O’Connell.

Vikings co-owner and president Mark Wilf said in a statement that O’Connell is “a strong leader, an innovative coach and an excellent communicator.” Added Vikings co-owner and chairman Zygi Wilf: “Beyond the Xs and Os, everyone we spoke with throughout this search process spoke highly of Kevin’s ability to motivate players, coaches and staff.”

O’Connell played briefly as a quarterback in the NFL with New England and the New York Jets. His coaching career began in 2015 as the Cleveland Browns’ QB coach, before spending three years in Washington where he was promoted to offensive coordinator. He held that same position with the Rams for the past two seasons.

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