KEVIN O’CONNELL – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Kyler Murray Mystery Maybe Decided Prior to Training Camp

Posted on May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by David Shama

There is no off-season for Vikings fans. Speculation swirls now on who the Vikings starting quarterback will be in 2026. And when will that be known.

J.J. McCarthy’s disappointing 2025 season and the acquisition in March of Kyler Murray has caused a buzz from Vikings fans. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is on record as wanting competition for the starting job, but it seems reasonable that before Murray signed on as a free agent he was assured of a sold (or better than that) opportunity to be No.1.

After all, the 28-year-old Murray is a seven seasons NFL veteran, while the 23-year-old McCarthy’s pro experience totals one season. Although the Cardinals gave up on Murray, his resume and profile instill optimism among those who want to feel it. In 2019 he was the Pro Football Offensive Rookie of the Year. Twice in his career he was a Pro Bowler.

As the Vikings go through meetings and on field practices prior to the start of training camp (expected in late July) it’s certain O’Connell will learn a lot about what he has in Murray who has underwhelmed as a pro with inconsistent play and injuries.

The coach will see how quickly and effectively his new quarterback picks up the complex Viking offense. That’s no small adjustment for a quarterback who drew past criticism for his study habits with the Cardinals.

Murray will also need to learn how to play more under center than in Arizona where he was in the shotgun formation. O’Connell likes to use his quarterback under center at times to promote play-action as part of his West Coast offense.

That’s not to suggest the head coach and quarterback whisperer won’t tailor some of the offense around his new player. Listed at 5-10 and 207 pounds, Murray has quickness of foot and running ability that can bedevil opponents. Murray will need to show he can become adept with whatever new offensive wrinkles are put in place.

Before training camp there will be minicamp next month where O’Connell will evaluate how the former Oklahoma Sooner quarterback performs with his receivers. That list of pass catchers, of course, includes superstar WR Justin Jefferson who seems to have the head coach’s “ear.”

Then, too, there will be an awareness by O’Connell and his coaches about how Murray is fitting in with his teammates. Does he have rapport with them? Is he emerging as a team leader?

It will be much clearer to the Vikings staff, even before spring turns to summer, what they have in Murray who has a career passing rating of 92.2 which is in the average range. Four times in his career he has thrown for over 3,500 yards. In 2,941 passing attempts he has totaled 121 TD passes with 60 interceptions.

O’Connell may well have a good handle in the next few weeks whether Murray will be his guy and build on his stats and resume in 2026.

Worth Noting

Anthony Edwards after his Timberwolves lost their playoff series in six games to the Spurs: “I mean, I just tip my hat to them. They were just a better team.”

In the 139-109 loss last night to the Spurs at Target Center, Edwards scored a team-high 24 points and had three steals. The 24-year-old’s 17 career playoff games with 20-plus points and 2-plus steals are the fifth most in NBA Playoff history by a player before the age of 25.

The Spurs had a 60-29 rebounding advantage in the blowout win.

Despite losing an overtime series ending game on Wednesday night, Wild fans can be elated about the team’s future. Minnesota lost a 3-1 lead with less than four minutes remaining in regulation against the Avs who went on to win 4-3 in OT in Game 5 of their Stanley Cup second round playoff match up.

Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizove — Kirill Kaprizov

The Wild’s roster is the most talented in franchise history. A quality center and better defensive depth are needed but there’s a lot to like including rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt, and a pair of superstars in forward Kirill Kaprizov and defenseman Quinn Hughes (who ownership is determined to re-sign). This team is among the best in the NHL and a championship window is in place for several years.

The Wild lost to a team that is likely the best in the NHL. A Minnesota nemesis was Avs superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon. He scored the tying goal sending the game into overtime and it was a shot most mortals can’t make.

The Wild can enjoy advancing to the second round for the first time since 2015, defeating a Stars team that is outstanding and delivering a competitive series with the Avs.

Look for the University of Minnesota, including athletic director Mark Coyle and head football coach P.J. Fleck, to make a reasonable and fair decision regarding Drake Lindsey after things are sorted out with the starting quarterback’s reported recent arrest in Arkansas for underage drinking and possessing fake identification. Lindsey, BTW, turns 21 on August 5.

FOX 9 sports reporter and anchor Dawn Mitchell will have a feature on Minnesota sports icon Dick Jonckowski Tuesday with the segment scheduled to air about 10:15 p.m.

Ross Bernstein, the Minnesota-based sports author and nationally sought public speaker, announced good news on LinkedIn earlier this week. He recently had his last chemotherapy treatment and is upbeat about not having a cancer recurrence. He’s been through a 10-month ordeal after doctors discovered tennis ball size tumors in his colon and liver. In college he wanted to play for the hockey Gophers, but when that didn’t work, he became the team’s mascot, Goldy Gopher.

The Capital Club breakfast group will hear about “The Booming Business of Golf” on Wednesday, May 27 at Mendakota Country Club. The sport is experiencing a resurgence locally and nationally. Golf experts Laura Frick, Championship Director KMPG Women’s PGA Championship, Jon Mays, Executive Director Minnesota Golf Association; and Jennifer Hines, Assistant Tournament Director 3M Open, will discuss the trend. For more information, contact Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

Longtime Creative Charters owner Steve Erban has been flying Golden Gophers fans to games for decades. He’s more than impressed with Niko Medved, who took over as men’s basketball coach about 14 months ago. He’s predicting 14 Minnesota wins on the 20-game regular season schedule for 2026-2027!

The company that started in 1993 will offer its first fan trip to see the football Gophers play Washington in Seattle on September 26. The trip has a lot to offer including a three-hour gameday “Sailgate” on the Spirit of Seattle, with the boat docking near Husky Stadium. The Gophers and Huskies haven’t played each other since 1977.

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Don’t Bet Against John McKay as Vikings Next General Manager

Posted on May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 by David Shama

It won’t be long until Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf hire a general manager. Don’t be surprised if it’s Rams assistant GM John McKay.

McKay, reportedly 36, checks a lot of boxes for the job. Despite his young age, he has an impressive 10 years of experience with the Rams including previous positions as director of pro personnel and assistant director of scouting.

McKay has evaluated college players for the draft, scouted opposing teams, and evaluated rosters of all NFL teams prior to free agency. Failure in the college draft haunted the Vikings in recent years led by former GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah who was fired in January.

McKay comes from an innovative organization led by GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay. The front office excels in “outside-the-box” thinking. The Rams, for example, have drawn praise for their roster construction and salary cap management. The Rams won the Super Bowl in 2022 and in the 2026 playoffs lost a close NFC Conference title game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

Mensah reportedly had communication and relationship problems with the Vikings. His analytics-heavy and non-traditional football decision making approach may well have contributed to those reports.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell image by David Shama — Kevin O’Connell

McKay doesn’t fit that profile and clearly has been a collaborative colleague based on his rise to prominence in the organization. He and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell are reportedly close friends. The two worked together when KOC was with the Rams during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Their friendship could be a point of distinction in the selection process as the Wilfs contemplate a hire. The Wilfs clearly believe in O’Connell, who in his four years so far had two superlative seasons of 13-4 and 14-3. Their head coach is a quarterback whisperer and a likable leader who has created a strong culture with the Vikings.

O’Connell is 40, four years older than McKay. The Wilfs could ponder the advantage of having two young leaders for decades to come.

McKay presumably is intrigued by the Vikings job. The opportunity to work with a trusted friend in O’Connell could be huge. The roster has flaws, but this is not a rebuild, with multiple prominent players in place led by superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Not to be dismissed either is the track record of ownership. The Wilfs have historically shown a willingness to spend money on the roster and facilities, including the franchise’s headquarters in Eagan. They have also shown a commitment to patience and loyalty.

Rick Spielman, the predecessor to Adofo-Mensah, spoke about his experience in a statement after he was dismissed in 2022 after 16 years with the organization. “… I want to thank Zygi & Mark Wilf and the entire Wilf family for believing in me and consistently providing the resources for us to be successful as a football operations staff. It is not common in the NFL to be in a position for this long, which goes to show how this ownership group believes in stability and supports their leaders.”

Rob Brzezinski is the interim GM and has been with the franchise for 27 years. He’s a candidate for the permanent job but it’s fair to wonder if the Wilfs wanted to promote him why are they doing a search? And with a search firm leading the way, TurnkeyZRG.

Worth Noting

Brock Faber scored a goal and had two assists last night in the Wild’s 5-1 win over the Avalanche. The defenseman’s production was vital as the Wild, aided also by the return of goalie Jesper Wallstedt, pulled closer to the Avs in the best of seven games playoff series, now trailing 2-1.

Wallstedt had 35 saves, playing against perhaps the NHL’s best team. Wallstedt showed a lot of emotion and after the game Faber, talking to TNT, spoke light heartedly about his teammate noting “he’s pretty normal for a goalie.”

The game was in St. Paul and Faber wasn’t complaining about not being in Denver where the first two games were played. Faber described playing in the Mile High City as “like breathing through a straw.”

Tony Oliva experienced min-strokes last year. The stroke issue included hospitalization but now the 87-year-old Twins legend is in much better health. “I am feeling pretty good,” he told Sports Headliners recently.

Oliva exercises at a suburban Minneapolis health club a few times per week. He is also attending Twins games.

The club has been much maligned this season, but Oliva sees developing talent and likes the coaching staff and manager Derek Shelton. “I believe that we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year,” said Oliva who turns 88 in July.

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NFL Authority: Don’t Look for Vikings to Trade McCarthy

Posted on May 5, 2026May 5, 2026 by David Shama

Rumors are ongoing that the Vikings might or should trade quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The 23-year-old struggled with performance and injuries last season, his first as the team’s starter.

Now the Vikings have bolstered their quarterback roster with likely starter and veteran Kyler Murray. There is depth with not only McCarthy but also veteran Carson Wentz and second-year QB Max Brosmer. All three were with the Vikings last season and have valuable experience in the offensive system.

The reasoning for rumors about trading McCarthy is he may never be more valuable in attracting return value. The Vikings might be able to obtain a future third-round draft pick or perhaps even a third and fifth. If Minnesota keeps him and he struggles next fall as a replacement for an injured Murray, his market value diminishes.

J.J. McCarthy, Vikings QB, image by David Shama — J.J. McCarthy

The million-dollar question with the young quarterback is how much will he improve in the coming seasons? Has Vikings head coach and quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell already seen the ceiling for McCarthy? NFL history is filled with both quarterback busts and those who find success, even stardom, as the years pass and experience develops.

McCarthy played for and won a national championship under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. Now in the NFL coaching the Chargers, Harbaugh could be in the market for another primary backup to starter Justin Herbert. That guy now is Marshall, Minnesota native Trey Lance who was the No. 3 first round pick in the 2021 draft and is playing for his third NFL team.

A trusted NFL authority, speaking on condition of anonymity, predicts McCarthy will stay in a Vikings jersey this year. “They won’t give up on J.J. this year and they shouldn’t. I expect J.J. to play at least a few games when Murray likely misses a couple,” the authority texted Sports Headliners.

Murray, playing with the Cardinals, has struggled during his career with injuries including an ACL tear and he missed most of last season with a foot injury.

Worth Noting

The source, who was a front office leader with two NFL franchises, believes Minnesota’s draft selection of defensive tackle Caleb Banks was” too risky with foot issues for (the) first round unless team doctors truly believe he’ll be fine.”

He also texted Minnesota should have drafted a center before the seventh and final round when the club selected Cincinnati center Gavin Gerhardt. Another miss, he thinks, was not acquiring a day three wide receiver to compete with Tai Felton for the third receiver position now that Jalen Nailor left as a free agent.

The source likes “the big run stuffing” potential of third round defensive lineman choice Domonique Orange and another pick in that round, safety Jakobe Thomas. He’s also positive on the potential of cornerback Charles Demmings (fifth round) and speed of running back Demond Claiborne (sixth round). He added it’s necessary to wait “at least a year” to know how any draft turns out.

The authority was also critical of trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles, referring to him as the Vikings’ “best pass rusher when healthy.” The Vikings received a third round pick this year and third rounder in 2027. He texted the Vikings, who made the move for financial concerns, should have received at least a second-round draft choice.

Former Vikings and Bucs linebacker Pete Najarian has an optimistic take on Minnesota’s selection of the 23-year-old Banks who is listed at an imposing 6-6, 327 pounds. “I understand the risk but in this case, I think he was the best defensive tackle/edge rusher in the draft,” Najarian texted.

“I love his size. He’s an absolute beast but I do understand that he has had an issue with his foot. That does bother me but he’s not 28 years old, he’s closer to 21 years old guys that …tend to come back from injury much faster.”

Among the storylines tonight when the Wild plays in Denver against the Avalanche is who plays in goal. Rookie Jesper Wallstedt was terrific in the team’s first round series against the Stars but he gave up eight goals in Minnesota’s second round series opener Sunday night.

After that performance Blue Jackets coach and TNT analyst Rick Bowness suggested replacing Wallstedt with veteran Filip Gustavsson. Such a move, he said, could be protective of Wallstedt’s confidence. Reports today are that it will be Gustavsson replacing Wallstedt.

The Avs reportedly found weaknesses in Wallstedt’s game, including his glove side. Fatigue may be another factor after he played the equivalent of seven games against the Stars including three overtime periods.

The Avs, who won the Presidents’ Trophy for having the NHL’s best regular season record, have the healthier roster. The Wild will be without key injured players in defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek.

Tonight’s game almost feels like a must-win for the Wild who can’t afford the luxury of being down 2-0 before coming home to Minnesota to play on Saturday evening.

A piece of trivia Wild fans like is that in the last 40 years, the Presidents’ Trophy winner has only eight times gone on to win the Stanley Cup.

Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards, returning from injury, came off the bench last night to score 18 points in helping Minnesota to a Game 1 second round playoff win over the Spurs in San Antonio. Edwards is one of five players since the NBA-ABA merger (in 1976-77) to average at least 26 points per game, five plus rebounds and five plus assists through the first 25 road games of their postseason career.

The lead changed 19 times in Minnesota’s 104-102 upset win over the Spurs who are behind only the Thunder as the wagering favorite to win the NBA championship. The Wolves’ largest lead was nine, the Spurs’ seven.

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