Being criticized is as inherent to being an NFL head coach as needing to make in-game adjustments. Kevin O’Connell, who is staring down his sophomore campaign as the lead coach, mostly made it through his opening season unscathed.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be perceived as the anti-Zimmer. By the end of his tenure, Mike Zimmer was often perceived in a negative manner. Too tough, too defense-focused, and too reluctant to adjust to an NFL that had so dramatically shifted toward passing the football. O’Connell, unlike his predecessor, comes across as down to earth and affable. The willingness to pass (and then pass some more) doesn’t hurt, either.