Star quarterback Sam Darnold looked back fondly on his first season with the Vikings - but head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared to hint that his time in Minnesota may soon come to an end

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after Monday night's loss to the Rams that quarterback Sam Darnold has a "special place in my heart" because of the way he played this season.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell defended quarterback Sam Darnold but made a blunt admission after a season-ending loss ot the Rams.

Sam Darnold had a nightmare showing vs. the Rams under the brightest lights. Here's what his head coach had to say about it.

The Minnesota Vikings had a highly successful season under the leadership of head coach Kevin O'Connell, despite an unfortunate loss in the NFL playoffs.

O'Connell, 39, lands a contract extension after guiding Vikings to 14-3 record with Sam Darnold at quarterback.

The Los Angeles Rams won 27-9 against the Vikings in the NFL wild-card round. The Rams’ defense recorded 7 sacks, tying a playoff record. Matthew Staf

The Professional Football Writers of America have named Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold the NFL's Most Improved Player of the Year.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was named the NFL Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers' Association on Thursday. O'Connell was also named as a finalist for the Associated Press Coach of the Year Award on Thursday.

In three seasons with the Vikings, the 39-year-old O’Connell is 34-17 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs.

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O'Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North.