Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has an opportunity to capitalize on a favorable trend in his second season at the helm.

And last but certainly not least, going 13-4 with first year HC Kevin O'Connell.

13 wins is tied for the most wins by a first year head coach in NFL history.

Minnesota's culture has changed. pic.twitter.com/1tnGgPqCMl

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) January 8, 2023

O’Connell and his Vikings exceeded preseason expectations in his first year on the job. His 13 wins tied a franchise record for first-year head coaches.

Minnesota won its first NFC North title since 2017, but came up short against the New York Giants in the NFC’s Wild Card Round. One Vikings coaching trend suggests that O’Connell and his team are likely to have a shot at redemption in 2023.

In fact, every Vikings coach in franchise history has reached the postseason in their second season with the exceptions of Norm Van Brocklin (1962), Mike Tice (2002) and Brad Childress (2007).

Every Vikings coach in franchise history has reached the playoffs in his second year except Norm Van Brocklin, Mike Tice, and Brad Childress.

— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) February 16, 2023

Not only do the Vikings have history on their side, but the NFC North is currently at a crossroads. Aaron Rodgers’ status in Green Bay remains in question, the Bears are knee deep in a rebuild, and the Lions are finally making a push back into relevancy.

It’s a very gettable division for Minnesota.

If the Vikings find their way back to the playoffs next season they must snap a rather unflattering trend. The last time the Vikings made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons came in 2008-2009. O’Connell has plenty of weaponry to position Minnesota for a much deeper postseason run next fall.

Featured image via Matt Krohn – USA TODAY Sports