From starting as a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots in 2008 to guiding the Minnesota Vikings as a head coach in 2025, Kevin O’Connell’s NFL journey has been notable. A big part of his success can be credited to his wife, Leah O’Connell, who has been by his side for most of his career.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at the Vikings head coach’s married life and family.
Kevin O’Connell’s Wife and Children
Kevin and Leah first became friends during their time at San Diego State University, where Leah was a freshman and Kevin was a redshirt sophomore. The two began dating during Kevin’s senior year.
After starting 33 games at San Diego State, Kevin entered the NFL in 2008 when the New England Patriots selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. He went on to spend limited time in the league, later spending time with the Detroit Lions (2009), New York Jets (2009–2011), Miami Dolphins (2012), and San Diego Chargers (2012).
During his time in the NFL, Kevin tied the knot with Leah in 2010 after years of dating. The couple now has four children: two sons, Kaden and Kolten, and two daughters, Quinn and Callie.
They continued to support each other throughout their careers. According to Leah’s LinkedIn profile, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from San Diego State University and currently works in sales at Panacea Scientific. She was also a student-athlete in college, playing volleyball, much like her husband’s athletic background.
Kevin, meanwhile, began his coaching career in 2015 as a quarterbacks coach with the Cleveland Browns. A year later, he joined the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive assistant. In 2020, he became the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped the team win a Super Bowl in 2022. That same year, he was hired as the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach.
Throughout his career, Leah has remained a constant source of support. When Kevin joined the Vikings, she publicly praised him for how perfect he is as a husband, father, and coach.
“From the day I met him, there’s many wonderful words that I would use to describe him,” Leah said about Kevin in a video shared on the Vikings’ official Facebook handle in December 2022. “He’s kind; he’s humble; he’s respectful; he’s consistent; he’s selfless, all these amazing and tangible qualities that you hope for in a husband and father and coach and anybody that’s going to be contributing to building up and encouraging other people.”
The Vikings’ on-field results under Kevin’s leadership haven’t been very impressive this season. The team prepares to face the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, but they are already out of the playoff picture with a 7–8 record. However, Leah, along with Vikings fans, remains hopeful for better days ahead for the team and for Kevin’s tenure in Minnesota.
