Even factoring in those lost seasons, O'Connell helped his Week 1 quarterbacks compile a combined record of 59-33 during this seven-year span. That was good enough for four different playoff appearances, or 57% of the time he served as a passing game coordinator, offensive coordinator or head coach.

During a recent chat with Kevin Seifert of ESPN, O'Connell touched upon how his experiences with McCarthy throughout the 2024 campaign helped Minnesota determine that the 22-year-old will be ready to serve as Sam Darnold's full-time replacement this September.

A knee injury kept the No. 10 pick off the field, but McCarthy spent the season preparing in unique ways to be the 2025 starter.