Vikings QB Kellen Mond: Coaching change a good thing for career

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer surprised many in late 2021 when he announced that unproven backup Sean Mannion would start over rookie Kellen Mond for a Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers with Kirk Cousins sidelined due to COVID-19. 

That decision became more noteworthy, though, when Zimmer later responded to a question by saying he was "not particularly" interested in getting a look at Mond even with the playoffs out of reach. 

Zimmer was shown the door in January and ultimately replaced by ex-Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Mond was asked if he felt the coaching change could be a positive for him moving forward.

"I think so," the 22-year-old explained. "I think Kevin, he’s obviously a young guy and he has some youth, especially with his offense. I think he’ll add a little bit more flavor. I think that’s something that the fans were missing a little bit last year." 

The Vikings currently have Cousins cemented as their QB1 heading into the summer months, meaning Mond is on track to spend another season learning as a backup. Nevertheless, the third-round pick from last year could probably use a fresh start in Minnesota even during practice sessions.