Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Jets G.M. Darren Mougey have a connection that dates back to their time as college roommates at San Diego State. In a Thursday conference call promoting the upcoming American Century Championship, O’Connell praised the man who is trying to turn around the Jets.
O’Connell, via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, sent plenty of text messages to Mougey during the offseason.
“Most of the time I was complimenting him on whether it was a great draft they had, or how they handled some of their internal situations there — getting their running back [Breece Hall re-signed],” O’Connell said.
“I just think the plan that he’s had has been really well thought-out. It’s one thing — a lot of teams put the time and the energy in to have as much good planning as you can — but it’s about the execution of those plans. The way Darren has gone about it doesn’t surprise me.”
It’s an encouraging sign for Jets fans to hear a coach who has taken the Vikings to the playoffs twice in three seasons. The Jets haven’t been there once since 2010.
“I know there’s not a day Darren shows up to work that he doesn’t feel prepared — and I think that’s proving to be the case,” O’Connell said. “He’s not afraid to make difficult decisions, and I think that’s because it’s in alignment with the process that he has. He’s attempting to execute a vision that he has for that organization. As a former Jet, it’s always good to see the organization in good hands — and they certainly are with Darren and [head coach Aaron Glenn].”
Alignment is the key. If the timeline had aligned a little differently, Mougey could have been the new G.M. with O’Connell in Minnesota. Instead, it’ll be Nolan Teasley who’ll hopefully develop the kind of relationship with O’Connell that O’Connell has with Mougey.
Of course, that relationship will have the pause button pressed on January 3, when the Vikings face the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Especially if both teams are competing for a playoff berth when Week 17 rolls around.
