KEVIN O’CONNELL – Page 2 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

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.

Comments Welcome

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.

Comments Welcome

Hope Vikes QB Room Won’t Resemble a MASH Unit in 2026

Posted on March 22, 2026March 22, 2026 by David Shama

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been steadfast in his commitment to having a deep and competitive quarterback room for the 2026 season. It looks like he’s accomplished that with the offseason additions of Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz to compete with J.J. McCarthy.

The trio, though, looks a bit like a potential MASH unit. (That’s a mobile army surgical hospital for those that don’t know).

Start with the 28-year-old Murray, the wagering favorite to be the No. 1 quarterback and is also seen that way by a former front office executive with NFL teams who corresponds with Sports Headliners. “I expect Murray to be the Week 1 starter and see if he can stay healthy,” he texted.

Murray has missed significant playing time during his NFL career that began as a No. 1 draft pick by the Cardinals in 2019. The diminutive 5-10, 207-pound Murray has experienced an ACL tear, ankle sprain, hamstring strains and a foot injury. He has reportedly missed more than 20 games due to injuries.

The source quoted above, speaking on condition of anonymity, texted that “with Kyler’s injury history, I think J.J. will get his chance to play.”

McCarthy, 23, missed all of his first Viking season in 2024 with a knee injury. Awarded with the starting spot in 2025, McCarthy managed to play in 10 games, but he was impacted by a high ankle sprain, concussion and hairline fracture in his right throwing hand.

When on the field McCarthy’s performance was inconsistent and it cast doubt on whether he should lead the Vikings in 2026. McCarthy, who the source wrote now faces an uncertain future, wasn’t injury prone in high school or at Michigan where he led the Wolverines to the 2024 national championship.

McCarthy’s replacement for five games was Wentz. His season ended with a severe shoulder injury. The Vikings re-signed him last week.

Wentz, 33, has been troubled by injuries for much of his career including an ACL tear, back fractures, ankle sprains, a concussion and most recently shoulder surgery. After all the pain he has endured during stops with six NFL teams, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had retired this offseason. “I don’t see how Wentz fits in unless Kyler or J.J. get hurt for an extended period,” the source said.

Worth Noting

The popularity of Gopher women’s basketball has long had a lot of potential. It will be interesting to see how many fans attend today’s second round NCAA tournament game at Williams Arena against Ole Miss. Attendance for Friday’s opening round win over Green Bay was announced as 10,355 at Williams Arena (capacity 14,625).

Former Golden Gophers football coach Glen Mason thought the world of Tom Moe who passed away last month at age 87. At Tom’s funeral Mason offered a eulogy with anecdotes about the former Gopher athletics director who once was his boss.

Mason recalled Tom’s first bowl game when the Gophers were in El Paso to play Oregon in 1999. Tom asked if it was okay if he attended Gopher practices. This got Mason’s attention because he was accustomed to athletic directors who often spent their bowl game hours at the swimming pool, golfing or even at the bar.

After the Gophers returned from their Sun Bowl game Tom stopped by the coach’s office. “What did you think?” Mason asked his boss in reference to the experience.

Tom proceeded to show Mason three large legal pads with handwritten notes front and back. Mason said his friend had the “most detailed notes” on every coach and player, and bowl related events. “He was there to work,” Mason told Sports Headliners.

Tom played end for the Gophers and was team MVP in 1959 He was a prominent attorney in Minneapolis with the Dorsey & Whitney law firm. He never sought the glitz of the AD job but served as interim AD starting in December of 1999 and later full-time director until 2002 because the University asked for his leadership. In February the U renamed its athletics director position the Thomas O. Moe Director of Athletics.

Tom, who was also a standout on the Gophers 1960 national championship baseball team, was a highly principled man who had the admiration of so many Minnesotans not only for his career but his dedication to family. “The best (of individuals),” Mason said.

Former Gopher pitcher Max Meyer, whose progress in the majors has been slowed by injuries, might have a breakout season with the Marlins in 2026. In three games over seven innings in spring training, he’s yet to give up a run. A hard thrower, he’s struck out 12 batters.

The storytelling will be fun on Wednesday, April 8 at Mendakota Country Club when Minnesota natives and “Miracle on Ice” players Rob McClanahan, Buzz Schneider and John Harrington speak to the breakfast group. Joe Schmit will moderate the discussion with the heroes from the 1980 gold medal winning U.S. Olympic hockey team. For more information, contact Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com.

Larry Higgins, a standout player on the 1961 Bemidji basketball team that lost 51-50 to Duluth Central in the state championship game, is searching for film from that game. Central was led by former Gopher Terry Kunze and the game had a controversial ending. Anyone who knows of game film (either in part or whole) should email ds@shamasportsheadliners.com.

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