Peyton Manning Reveals Top NFL Playoff Coach He’d Want to Play For

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning revealed his top choice for an NFL playoff coach he’d most want to play for, and the answer might surprise fans. Manning singled out Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell as his preferred leader, praising his coaching style and player-first approach.

“I have a lot of respect for the way he coaches,” Manning said when asked which playoff coach he’d most like to play for. “It’s about the players. It’s about [him] putting them in a position to succeed. … He’s got no ego. I think he’s a dynamic play-caller. … It’s been fun to see [Sam Darnold‘s] success [with him].”

O’Connell, in just three seasons as the Vikings’ head coach, has already led the team to two 13-win seasons, narrowly missing the franchise’s single-season record of 15 wins in 2024. His ability to revitalize quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, who previously struggled with the New York Jets, has been a hallmark of his tenure.

O’Connell’s first playoff appearance as a head coach came in 2022, when the Vikings fell to the New York Giants in the wild-card round. Now, he faces his former mentor, Sean McVay, and the Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes Monday night matchup.

Manning’s endorsement highlights O’Connell’s rising reputation in the NFL. Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to maximize player potential, O’Connell has quickly become one of the league’s most respected young coaches.