Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has continued building his reputation as one of the NFL’s leading offensive minds, but his family remains an important part of his life away from football. During the 2026 season, interest in the coach’s personal life has continued alongside attention surrounding the Vikings. His wife, Leah O’Connell, has been part of his journey since their college years, long before he became an NFL head coach.
Kevin O’Connell’s wife, Leah O’Connell, is a former college volleyball player who met him at San Diego State University. The couple married in 2010 and have four children together. Although Kevin’s career has required numerous moves across the United States, Leah has maintained a strong connection to athletics, family life and community activities.
NEED TO KNOW
- Kevin O’Connell married Leah O’Connell in 2010 after meeting her at San Diego State University.
- Leah was a college volleyball player and team captain before pursuing professional opportunities outside sports.
- The couple have four children: Kaden, Quinn, Kolten and Callie.
Their relationship began when both were student-athletes, and they have remained together through Kevin’s playing career, coaching appointments and eventual success with the Minnesota Vikings.
Who is Kevin O’Connell’s wife, Leah O’Connell?
Leah O’Connell, formerly Leah Lathrop, grew up in a family with strong connections to professional football. Her father, Kit Lathrop, played in the NFL and United States Football League before becoming a football coach. His career meant that Leah experienced frequent moves during childhood, something that later helped her adjust to life as an NFL coach’s wife.
She attended San Diego State University on a volleyball scholarship and became a starting setter for the Aztecs. Her leadership abilities eventually earned her the position of team captain, and she graduated with a degree in communication.
After college, Leah explored professional opportunities in sales and fitness while maintaining her involvement in sports. She has also coached youth volleyball and participated in her children’s athletic activities.
How did Kevin O’Connell and Leah meet?
Kevin and Leah first crossed paths at San Diego State University, where he played quarterback for the football team and she competed in volleyball. Leah has recalled noticing Kevin on campus before they officially began dating, describing him as a tall athlete with an unmistakable smile.
Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship during their college years. They shared an understanding of the demands placed on student-athletes, including training schedules, academic responsibilities and competitive pressure.
When the New England Patriots selected Kevin in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft, the couple faced their first major challenge. Kevin moved to begin his professional football career while Leah remained at San Diego State to complete her senior year.
Despite the distance, they continued their relationship and eventually decided to build a future together.
Kevin O’Connell and Leah married in 2010
Kevin O’Connell and Leah married in 2010, during a period when his professional football career was taking him between different NFL teams. Their engagement and wedding occurred while Kevin was associated with the New York Jets, following earlier opportunities with the Patriots and Detroit Lions.
The early years of their marriage involved considerable uncertainty because NFL roster decisions could require sudden relocations. Leah had grown up in a football family, so she understood the demands of the profession and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.
Their marriage continued as Kevin transitioned from playing quarterback to coaching. He later worked with the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Washington franchise and Los Angeles Rams before receiving his first NFL head-coaching opportunity.
The couple have now been married for more than 16 years, with their relationship spanning nearly every stage of Kevin’s professional football career.
Leah O’Connell comes from a football family
Leah’s father, Kit Lathrop, played professional football between 1978 and 1987 before pursuing coaching opportunities. His coaching career included positions in college football and the Canadian Football League, where he helped the BC Lions win the Grey Cup in 2000.
Growing up around professional sports gave Leah an early understanding of the commitment required from athletes and coaches. Her family frequently relocated because of her father’s work, allowing her to experience different communities and develop an adaptable outlook.
Her mother, Becki Lathrop, also influenced her approach to family life. Leah has spoken about watching her mother pursue different interests and community activities while raising children and managing the demands of a football household.
These experiences later became particularly relevant when Kevin’s coaching career required the family to move repeatedly.
Kevin O’Connell and Leah have four children
Kevin and Leah O’Connell are parents to four children: sons Kaden and Kolten and daughters Quinn and Callie. Their youngest daughter, Callie, was born in November 2022, during Kevin’s first season as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
Her arrival came shortly before the Vikings were scheduled to face the Washington Commanders. Kevin travelled with the team after receiving confirmation that Leah and their newborn daughter were doing well.
The couple have occasionally discussed their children’s personalities and interests. Kaden has enjoyed playing football, basketball, baseball and golf, while Quinn has participated in volleyball, soccer and other activities.
Leah has also coached youth sports teams involving her children. She previously helped coach Kaden and Quinn in flag football and soccer, sometimes working alongside Kevin during games.
Although the family occasionally appears in team-related photographs and interviews, Kevin and Leah have generally protected their children’s privacy.
Leah supported Kevin through his coaching career
After Kevin’s playing career ended, he gradually established himself as an NFL coach. He worked as a quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant before becoming offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.
His time with the Rams proved especially important. Under head coach Sean McVay, Kevin helped guide an offense featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the team won Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Shortly afterward, the Minnesota Vikings appointed Kevin as their head coach. The move required another major relocation for the O’Connell family, who had been living in Southern California.
Leah later discussed the challenges of moving with three young children while preparing for the arrival of their fourth. Despite the difficulties, she expressed excitement about joining the Vikings community and supporting Kevin in his new position.
Kevin’s first season in Minnesota was successful, with the Vikings finishing 13-4 and winning the NFC North division.
Kevin O’Connell publicly thanked Leah after his contract extension
Kevin received further recognition after leading Minnesota to a 14-3 regular-season record in 2024. His achievements earned him the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award, highlighting his development as one of the league’s respected head coaches.
In January 2025, the Vikings announced a multiyear contract extension that secured his future with the franchise. During the announcement, Kevin publicly acknowledged Leah and their children for the support they provided throughout his coaching career.
He explained that their encouragement helped him perform his responsibilities at a high level, placing his family’s contribution alongside the work of his players and coaching staff.
The comments offered a rare personal glimpse into the role Leah plays in his professional life. While Kevin is responsible for leading an NFL franchise, Leah has helped maintain stability at home through the pressures of football seasons and frequent career changes.
What does Leah O’Connell do professionally?
Leah has a background in collegiate athletics, coaching, communication and sales. Her experience as a volleyball player provided opportunities to work with younger athletes, and she has continued participating in sports through coaching activities involving her children.
She has also been associated with professional work in sales, although detailed information about her current employment is limited. Unlike some spouses of prominent NFL coaches, she does not maintain an extensive public media presence.
Leah has expressed an interest in creative writing, including children’s books and screenwriting. In a previous interview, she discussed keeping story ideas and unfinished writing projects while concentrating on family responsibilities.
Her interests reflect a life that extends beyond football, even though the sport has remained an important influence since childhood.
Where are Kevin O’Connell and Leah O’Connell now?
Kevin and Leah O’Connell have established their family life in Minnesota, where Kevin continues his work as head coach of the Vikings. Born on May 25, 1985, Kevin is 41 years old as of November 2026, while Leah, born on October 24, 1986, is 40.
The couple continue raising their four children while managing the demands of an NFL coaching schedule. Leah remains closely connected to family activities and youth sports, while Kevin balances his professional responsibilities with fatherhood.
Their relationship began as a college romance between two student-athletes and has continued through more than a decade of marriage, multiple relocations and major career achievements. For readers searching for Kevin O’Connell’s wife, Leah O’Connell is a former volleyball player, mother of four and longtime partner who has shared his journey from college football to NFL head coaching.