NFL head coaches, like Kevin O’Connell of the Vikings, must strike a balance between his teams’ aspirations for the Super Bowl and the minute-by-minute, day-by-day details needed to make those ambitions a reality.
And until six o’clock on Tuesday evening, O’Connell was still trying to figure out how to organize the team’s practice program for Wednesday.
After Monday night’s victory over the Bears, coaches had a ton of video work to do in preparation for the Seattle Seahawks, which was just one day away.
O’Connell was going to request that coaches remain at the facility until two in the morning. Maybe he should reschedule Wednesday’s practice so that players spend more time at the facilities. He made no decisions on his own. He summoned the eight captains of the teams to an unplanned FaceTime.
Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips told the Minnesota Star Tribune, “At least six of us made it.” Someone may have attended a children’s dancing recital. I got on when I was outside having fun with the dog. Someone else was behind the wheel. Someone was home. Just reviewing the proposed timetable. Could you please communicate your position groups to ensure that we can complete everything and change the schedule?
“He’s managing a company,” Phillips continued. “He’s hiring everyone you see in this building. He is concerned that if we qualify for the playoffs, our intern athletic trainer may be able to stay a few more weeks after her scheduled return to school.
The Vikings’ 12-2 record and chance to win O’Connell’s second NFC North championship in three seasons make them one of the NFL’s surprises due in large part to their communication and concern.
O’Connell has surpassed Dan Campbell of the Lions and Sean Payton of the Broncos to become the clear favorite to earn AP NFL Coach of the Year.