Kevin O'Connell directs Minnesota Vikings offense away from shotgun snaps
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 9:04 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell faces scrutiny over his offensive play-calling tendencies as the 2026 season begins. Since his arrival in 2022, the Vikings have maintained the third-lowest shotgun snap percentage in the NFL at 53 percent. This tactical approach contrasts with the background of newly acquired quarterback Kyler Murray, who operated out of shotgun for 85 percent of his snaps while with the Arizona Cardinals. Murray now faces a significant transition as he adapts to an offense that relies heavily on quarterbacks playing from under center. While the Minnesota offense possesses a high ceiling for the upcoming season, analysts express concern regarding the adjustment period required for the signal-caller. O'Connell has now named his third different week-one starter in as many seasons as he seeks to stabilize the team's quarterback position.
- •Kevin O'Connell has served as the Minnesota Vikings play-caller since 2022.
- •The Minnesota Vikings utilize shotgun snaps only 53 percent of the time.
- •Kyler Murray operated out of shotgun for 85 percent of his career snaps in Arizona.
- •Kyler Murray is the third different week-one starter for the Vikings in three years.
- 9:04 PMYahoo Sports — Vikings don't utilize shotgun snaps often with Kevin O'Connell
"This is the category where Kevin O'Connell ranks last among NFL playcallers.
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