Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has a deep respect for how Kevin O’Connell has transformed the Minnesota Vikings into a Super Bowl contender.

The Vikings started the season with modest expectations and faced a setback when rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury, leading the team to rely on veteran journeyman Sam Darnold.

Darnold has delivered an MVP-worthy performance, guiding the Vikings to a 14-2 record and setting up a season finale against the Lions to determine the NFC North champion and secure a first-round bye.

Ahead of the critical matchup, Campbell offered high praise for O’Connell’s ability to build a contender in Minnesota.

Dan Campbell Faces a Big Challenge

Speaking to reporters before Sunday’s season finale, Campbell highlighted O’Connell’s skill in exploiting opponent weaknesses.

“Yeah, listen, he’s an excellent coach,” Campbell remarked, via SI.com. “When you look at what he’s done over the past three years, their offensive scheme is really impressive. They do a great job, they’re creative, and they know how to find weaknesses and exploit them. They get the most out of their players and put them in positions to succeed.”

Campbell has also crafted a strong contender in Detroit, turning a team that was near the bottom of the NFC into NFC North champions in 2023, with the possibility of repeating that title on Sunday.

The Lions’ head coach has built an aggressive defense, making significant moves to strengthen the secondary. However, Campbell acknowledged that his team will face a tough test against Justin Jefferson. He praised O’Connell for ensuring the All-Pro receiver stays involved, even when defenses try to shut him down.

“When you have a player like [Justin Jefferson], it’s like, ‘Well, you’ve got Jefferson,’ ” Campbell said. “But it’s not always that simple, because everyone’s trying to double him, trying to neutralize him, and for them, he’s their best player. You have to still find ways to get him in the game to help you, and they do a really good job with that. They move him around, and Jefferson’s smart, he can handle it all. That’s just one part of their game. I also like what they do with their run game.”

Lions Getting Healthier as Playoffs Near

After battling numerous injuries this season, the Lions are finally starting to get healthier as the playoffs approach. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin returned last week, and linebacker Alex Anzalone and wide receiver Kalif Raymond could return this week.

The Lions could see another significant return soon. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who fractured his leg in October, has been progressing well in rehab and may be able to return if the team advances to the Super Bowl.