Kevin O’Connell Honored with PFWA’s Horrigan Award for Outstanding Media Cooperation

In a prestigious recognition from the NFL’s journalism community, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has been named the 2025 recipient of the Professional Football Writers of America’s (PFWA) Horrigan Award. The award, which honors a league or club official who consistently demonstrates professionalism, openness, and cooperation with the media, underscores O’Connell’s growing stature not only as a respected leader on the field, but as a trusted and transparent voice off it.

The announcement came earlier this week from the PFWA, a national association of accredited NFL writers, editors, and broadcasters. Each year, its members vote to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in facilitating fair and insightful football coverage. For O’Connell, now entering his fourth season with the Vikings, the award is a reflection of his commitment to authenticity and accessibility in one of professional sports’ most high-pressure environments.

O’Connell’s selection for the honor places him in elite company. Past winners of the Horrigan Award include coaching legends like Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher, and Pete Carroll—individuals known not just for their football acumen, but for their grace and candor in dealing with the media. The PFWA noted that O’Connell stood out among this year’s nominees for his “consistently thoughtful answers, willingness to provide meaningful insight, and respectful engagement with reporters.”

Since taking over as head coach in 2022, O’Connell has earned praise for his communication style. In press conferences, he avoids coach-speak clichés and instead offers genuine analysis of his team’s performance, challenges, and strategy. His approach has made him a favorite not only among local beat writers covering the Vikings but also among national media looking for honest and informed commentary.

At the heart of O’Connell’s media philosophy is a sense of mutual respect. “I view the media as a vital part of the NFL ecosystem,” he said in a brief statement following the award announcement. “Their job is to tell the story of our game, our players, and our journey—and my role is to help them do that with honesty and clarity. I’m honored to be recognized for something I view as simply part of doing this job the right way.”

Vikings beat reporters, many of whom voted in favor of O’Connell, have echoed those sentiments. “He never ducks a question,” said one longtime Twin Cities journalist. “Even when the team loses, he owns the moment, gives thoughtful answers, and never makes you feel like the enemy. That kind of professionalism is rare—and appreciated.”

O’Connell’s rise in media favor has coincided with his emergence as one of the NFL’s brightest young coaches. A former quarterback and offensive coordinator with the Rams, he brought an innovative offensive system and a culture of accountability to Minnesota. The team’s surprise 13-4 campaign in 2022 put him on the national radar, and his poise in handling both triumph and adversity has only further cemented his reputation.

Importantly, the Horrigan Award isn’t given for wins and losses—it’s about access, candor, and the ability to humanize the complex narratives of football. In a league often clouded by secrecy and spin, O’Connell stands out for his transparency. Whether discussing a tough injury update, a controversial play call, or the development of a young quarterback, he makes the effort to explain rather than deflect.

In this era of hyper-scrutiny and social media reaction, many coaches retreat into defensiveness. O’Connell does the opposite. He engages. He answers follow-ups. He explains context. Even when criticism is warranted, he handles it with humility. That temperament has helped build trust—not just with reporters, but with fans seeking authenticity in their team’s leadership.

The award also comes at a moment of transition for the Vikings. With a new quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, continued development of a young roster, and a renewed commitment to long-term success, the team is in the midst of reshaping its identity. O’Connell’s ability to articulate that vision—both internally and externally—has been central to maintaining organizational momentum.

Veteran players have also credited O’Connell’s communication skills for fostering a positive locker room culture. “He talks to us like grown men,” said one team captain. “What you see in the media—that openness—that’s who he is every day. It’s not an act.” That consistency, both on camera and behind closed doors, is a key reason the Vikings have remained unified through tough stretches.

For the PFWA, rewarding a coach like O’Connell helps highlight a model worth replicating. When league figures communicate with honesty and professionalism, it improves coverage, builds public understanding, and strengthens the bond between fans and the game. O’Connell’s selection is a nod to that higher standard.

This marks the first time a member of the Vikings organization has received the Horrigan Award, adding another accolade to O’Connell’s rapidly growing résumé. For a coach still early in his career, it’s a sign that he’s not only making a difference on the sidelines, but also in shaping how football is presented and understood.

As the 2025 season approaches, O’Connell’s media presence will again be front and center. Questions about McCarthy’s readiness, Justin Jefferson’s future, and Brian Flores’ defense will come thick and fast. And based on the PFWA’s vote, there’s little doubt that O’Connell will handle them with the same integrity and intelligence that earned him the award in the first place.

In many ways, his recognition underscores a larger trend in the NFL: the value of communicators, not just tacticians. Today’s head coaches must be more than play designers—they must be leaders, culture-setters, and, increasingly, public ambassadors for their organizations. O’Connell embodies that evolution.

Beyond the headlines, the award serves as a reminder that access and transparency matter. Football is more than statistics and game film—it’s a human story, with twists and turns, failures and triumphs. Coaches like Kevin O’Connell help tell that story with respect for both the audience and the people within the game.

With this honor, O’Connell joins a select group of football professionals who have elevated the standard for coach-media relations. And in doing so, he not only strengthens the Vikings’ connection with their community, but also sets an example that can benefit the entire league.

In a final nod to his character, O’Connell deflected much of the praise to his staff and players. “This award reflects the culture we’ve built together,” he said. “I’m grateful every day to represent this organization—and to share that journey with people who care deeply about the game.” For the PFWA, that humility and clarity are exactly what the Horrigan Award is meant to honor.