Vikings Sam Darnold’s future in question after poor playoff performance as head coach makes telling comment
Minnesota Vikings Head coach Kevin O’Connell appears to have slammed the door on Sam Darnold returning to the team following Monday night’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Darnold was sacked nine times and was 25-of-40 for 245 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception in the 27-9 loss. It was one of Darnold’s worst performances of the season.
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, hands off to running back Aaron Jones, #33, during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
However, with JJ McCarthy waiting in the wings, it appeared that Darnold would not be back with the Vikings for the 2025 season.
“I just want to say that it’s really important that we all think about Sam’s body of work, what he was able to do this year, when not many people thought he was going to be able to lead the team to 14 wins,” O’Connell said, via Talk about professional football. “It didn’t work out in the end and I think Sam would be the first to tell you if he could have played better tonight? I’m sure he would have told you he could have. Could I have trained better? I’m sure I could have.”
The Vikings signed Darnold in March before selecting McCarthy. However, the former Michigan player suffered a torn Achilles in training camp and missed the season.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold pauses before answering a question during a news conference after the NFL wild card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Darnold won the starting job and surprised almost everyone in the league with a strong season. Known for “seeing ghosts” while playing for the New York Jets, he passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns – both career highs.
The last two weeks of Darnold’s season have been the toughest. The team lost the NFC North division title to the Detroit Lions, 31-9, then suffered another loss on Monday.
Ultimately, the Vikings lost to just two teams during the season. Detroit beat Minnesota in Week 7, and Los Angeles beat them in week 8.
O’Connell lamented the lack of attack in the last two weeks of the season.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell pauses before answering a question during a news conference following an NFL playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Heading into the offseason, the Vikings will have to choose whether to go with McCarthy and a veteran addition or hold onto Darnold until McCarthy develops.
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