Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said after Monday night's loss to the Rams that quarterback Sam Darnold has a "special place in my heart" because of the way he played this season.

The Minnesota Vikings had a highly successful season under the leadership of head coach Kevin O'Connell, despite an unfortunate loss in the NFL playoffs.

Sam Darnold had a nightmare showing vs. the Rams under the brightest lights. Here's what his head coach had to say about it.

Kevin O’Connell, Sam Darnold and Brian Flores could be heading to New Orleans, after all. The Vikings head coach, quarterback and defensive coordinator were among the 40 finalists named Thursday for eight of the league’s most prestigious awards,

The NFL and Associated Press unveiled the finalists for year-end awards on Thursday, and among them are Kevin O'Connell for Coach of the Year, Brian Flores for Assistant Coach of the Year and Sam Darnold for Comeback Player of the Year.

Darnold's future in Minnesota is very much in doubt after the Vikings were bounced by the Rams on wild-card weekend.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell was named the NFL Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers' Association on Thursday. O'Connell was also named as a finalist for the Associated Press Coach of the Year Award on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Rams won 27-9 against the Vikings in the NFL wild-card round. The Rams’ defense recorded 7 sacks, tying a playoff record. Matthew Staf

O'Connell, 39, lands a contract extension after guiding Vikings to 14-3 record with Sam Darnold at quarterback.

In three seasons with the Vikings, the 39-year-old O’Connell is 34-17 in the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs.

Minneapolis — The Minnesota Vikings and coach Kevin O'Connell agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday, following a 14-3 regular season that defied external widespread preseason projections of at least a losing record if not a last-place finish in the NFC North.