RandBall: Kevin O’Connell’s award, Anthony Edwards' free throws and three other things to know today – Star Tribune

Sports
The Vikings are in a place of stability, as underscored by Thursday’s news. And the Wolves, after a tough start to the week, are restoring confidence.
By Michael Rand
Kevin O’Connell won the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award on Thursday, unsurprisingly and convincingly after a 14-3 season earned him the vast majority of first-place votes.
It was the second time in KOC’s three seasons as head coach that the Vikings have won at least 13 games, and they did so with rosters that were a mash-up of old and new as the organization tried to maneuver out of salary cap trouble left behind by the last regime.
The Vikings seem to be set up well for stability and sustained success, none of which was a given when O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were hired in 2022.
Some franchises descend into chaos and mismanagement, finding it hard to escape for many years if not decades. I had that on my mind Thursday as well, thinking about the New York Jets.
They haven’t made the playoffs in 14 seasons, and guess who they just hired to help fix things? Former Vikings GM Rick Spielman.
Spielman did a decent job building rosters in Minnesota, including having a key role in the trade for defensive end Jared Allen — who also had a huge Thursday upon learning of his Pro Football Hall of Fame honor.
But I would say the Vikings are on a much better trajectory now than the one Spielman left behind.
Here are four more things to know today:
Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).
Sports
Sports
The Vikings are in a place of stability with new NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell, while the Wolves are restoring confidence with Anthony Edwards in attack mode.
Wild
Wild
With injuries and a suspension affecting the forward lineup, Vinnie Hinostroza stepped in Thursday without missing a beat.
Outdoors
Outdoors
Minnesota legislators this session must renew crossbow use for deer hunting, or it lapses.
Sports
Sports
The Vikings are in a place of stability with new NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O'Connell, while the Wolves are restoring confidence with Anthony Edwards in attack mode.
© 2025 StarTribune.All rights reserved.

source