Report: Vikings expected to hire Rams' O'Connell as next head coach

The Minnesota Vikings are expected to name Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell as their next head coach, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

The hire can't become official until after Los Angeles competes in Super Bowl LVI.

Minnesota wrapped up an interview with Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday afternoon, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported shortly thereafter that Harbaugh decided to return to Michigan.

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham were the other finalists for the Vikings job, and the team has informed both that they are out of contention, according to Pelissero.

The Tennessee native replaces Mike Zimmer, who Minnesota dismissed after he established a 72-56-1 and went 2-3 in the playoffs through eight seasons. The club fired Zimmer after posting an 8-9 mark last year.

O'Connell joined L.A. following three campaigns with Washington, serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2017.

The 36-year-old O'Connell is in his second season with the Rams. He previously worked with new Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in 2016 when they were both with the San Francisco 49ers.

After the New England Patriots drafted him in the third round in 2008, the former San Diego State quarterback spent five campaigns in the league as a backup.

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