The coaching lineage from Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay continues to make waves in the NFL, particularly highlighted by the upcoming wild card matchup against Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell, a notable former assistant under McVay, is one of two of McVay’s former coordinators with a winning record as head coaches since their time in Los Angeles.
O’Connell’s reputation for nurturing quarterback talent has become unmistakable, particularly with his work with Sam Darnold, the former third overall pick who has transformed his career under O’Connell’s guidance. Under O’Connell, the Vikings achieved an impressive 14-win season and secured a playoff position, setting the stage for their showdown against McVay’s Rams to determine who will advance to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the next round.
The legacy of the McVay coaching tree includes several other notable coaches, ranked by their winning percentages as head coaches:
1. **Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers)**: With a 67-33 record, LaFleur has achieved three consecutive 13-win seasons and is currently adapting successfully to the absence of former star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
2. **Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings)**: O’Connell’s coaching prowess is evidenced by his 34-17 record, where he has effectively tailored his team’s offensive strategies to maximize the strengths of his quarterbacks.
3. **Brandon Staley (Los Angeles Chargers)**: Holding a 24-24 record, Staley’s tenure has seen some ups and downs, including one playoff appearance but ultimately a mixed record.
4. **Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons)**: Currently at 8-9 since returning to Atlanta, Morris previously held interim positions but seeks to find consistency in his head coaching ventures.
5. **Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals)**: Despite a 46-52-1 record, Taylor is well-known for his participation in high-stakes games, having reached the Super Bowl once with the Bengals.
6. **Thomas Brown (Chicago Bears)**: Brown has had limited experience thus far, ending the season with a 1-4 record as the Bears’ interim head coach.
As these former protégés of McVay continue to make their mark, the upcoming game presents a thrilling opportunity for both O’Connell and McVay to showcase their respective coaching skills on a significant stage.
In summary, this match not only highlights the achievements of O’Connell and Darnold but serves as a testament to the effective coaching principles instilled by McVay, which have evidently spread throughout the NFL. This may point to a promising future for both teams as they navigate the complexities of playoffs ahead.