One aspect of the Vikings’ exceptional season is Harrison Smith’s weekly coffee date with the coach.

The Minnesota Vikings have had one of the most intriguing seasons in recent NFL history, marked by their impressive performances on the field, an ever-evolving roster, and an air of rejuvenation surrounding the franchise. While the on-field successes of star players like Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, and the defense as a whole have rightfully dominated headlines, one subtle, yet powerful, aspect of the Vikings’ exceptional season has remained largely under the radar: Harrison Smith’s weekly coffee dates with head coach Kevin O’Connell.

This routine might seem simple at first glance, yet it has become a crucial ritual that embodies the essence of leadership, team dynamics, and the growth of a franchise. Smith, a veteran safety who has long been one of the cornerstones of the Vikings’ defense, has found a unique bond with O’Connell, who is in his second year as the team’s head coach. Their weekly conversations over coffee have had far-reaching effects, creating a foundation of trust, open communication, and mutual respect that has permeated the entire team.

In this article, we’ll explore how Harrison Smith’s weekly coffee dates with Coach O’Connell have helped shape the Vikings’ 2024 season, what makes their relationship so special, and why this seemingly small tradition is one of the key elements behind the team’s success. By examining their conversations, how they impact the team’s atmosphere, and the dynamic between a seasoned player and a relatively new head coach, we’ll uncover how such a simple ritual can lead to extraordinary results on the football field.

The Importance of Leadership and Communication

At its core, football is a team sport, and success is often determined by the strength of the relationships within the organization. This includes not just the players but also the coaching staff. In particular, the relationship between a veteran player and a head coach can play a pivotal role in shaping a team’s culture and success.

Harrison Smith, now in his 13th NFL season, is one of the most respected players in the Vikings’ locker room. A staple of the defense since he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Smith has seen it all. He’s played under several coaching regimes and has witnessed the evolution of the franchise over more than a decade. With his extensive experience and leadership on the field, Smith is more than just a player; he’s a mentor to younger teammates and a trusted voice in the locker room.

On the other side is Kevin O’Connell, who is still relatively early in his coaching career, having taken over as head coach of the Vikings in 2022. While O’Connell had been a quarterback in the NFL, his coaching background is more limited compared to some of the league’s more established head coaches. Despite this, he’s quickly gained respect around the league for his leadership, tactical acumen, and calm under pressure.

The coffee dates between Smith and O’Connell are more than just a casual meeting—they represent a space where ideas are exchanged, trust is nurtured, and both parties can openly discuss the direction of the team. In a sport like football, where communication is key to success, having a trusted veteran and a progressive head coach who can openly discuss strategy, leadership, and team morale can go a long way in fostering an atmosphere of growth and accountability.

The Evolution of Their Relationship

Harrison Smith and Kevin O’Connell’s relationship didn’t happen overnight. Like most relationships between veteran players and coaches, it developed over time, starting with mutual respect and growing into a deep, collaborative partnership. In the early days of O’Connell’s tenure, Smith was still adjusting to his new coach, learning O’Connell’s coaching style and philosophy while also trying to establish the trust needed to make the season a success.

However, as the two continued to interact, it became clear that their personalities meshed well. Smith, known for his cerebral approach to the game, appreciated O’Connell’s modern, player-friendly approach to coaching, which focused not just on football strategy but also on building relationships and fostering a strong team culture. O’Connell, for his part, quickly recognized the value of having someone like Smith in his corner. The veteran safety not only had an encyclopedic knowledge of the game but also had a knack for mentoring younger players and maintaining a positive, focused environment even during adversity.

This mutual understanding set the stage for their now-famous weekly coffee dates. Every week, O’Connell and Smith would sit down over coffee, away from the distractions of the field, to discuss everything from the team’s performance to individual player development to broader organizational goals. These meetings became an opportunity for the coach to hear Smith’s insights on the defense, the pulse of the locker room, and areas where improvements could be made. For Smith, it was a chance to voice his thoughts on the team’s direction, offer feedback, and collaborate with his head coach on how best to approach the challenges ahead.

As the season has unfolded, these coffee dates have proven to be a pivotal part of the Vikings’ success. With each conversation, the pair has forged a deeper bond that has strengthened their ability to lead the team together. This kind of open, honest dialogue has fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement, all of which have been critical to the Vikings’ exceptional season.

A Quiet Influence on the Team’s Success

It’s easy to overlook the impact of small rituals, especially in a game as fast-paced and high-profile as football. However, the effect of Smith and O’Connell’s weekly meetings is tangible, even if it doesn’t always make the highlight reels. The conversations between coach and player allow them to keep the lines of communication open, which is especially important when navigating the ups and downs of a long NFL season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Smith’s experience has been invaluable in helping O’Connell make critical decisions about the team’s defensive approach. The Vikings’ defense, which has been one of the team’s strongest assets in 2024, has thrived under the leadership of Smith and his fellow defensive leaders. Their understanding of O’Connell’s game plan, combined with their ability to execute it with precision, has helped the Vikings make huge strides on that side of the ball.

Moreover, Smith’s role as a mentor to younger players, especially in the secondary, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His guidance extends beyond the field, as he uses his coffee dates with O’Connell to provide feedback on the development of emerging stars like Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr. The weekly discussions have given O’Connell valuable insights into how the younger players are adjusting to the league and what kind of support they need to reach their full potential.

On the offensive side of the ball, the benefits of this relationship are no less impactful. While Smith is primarily focused on the defense, his deep understanding of the game and his leadership presence have made him a key figure in helping the team’s offense stay balanced and focused. As an established veteran, Smith often has a unique perspective on the emotional state of the locker room, which has helped O’Connell make informed decisions about when to push players harder and when to give them space.

The emotional intelligence that both Smith and O’Connell possess has also been a major factor in the Vikings’ success. O’Connell’s calm demeanor, paired with Smith’s experience, has created an environment where players feel supported, even when the team faces adversity. Whether it’s a tough loss or a string of difficult games, this strong relationship between player and coach has provided a stable foundation that has allowed the Vikings to maintain their focus.

The Intangible Power of Coffee

It might seem trivial to attribute the Vikings’ exceptional season to something as simple as coffee. However, as any athlete or coach will tell you, small rituals can play a huge role in a team’s success. Coffee has long been a symbol of camaraderie, communication, and collaboration, and for Smith and O’Connell, their coffee dates serve as a microcosm of the larger culture they’ve built within the organization.

These meetings, though informal in nature, allow the two to discuss ideas freely without the pressure of practice or game day. It’s in these moments that some of the most important decisions are made—decisions that affect not just the outcome of a single game but the trajectory of an entire season. The casual yet meaningful nature of their coffee dates has fostered a deeper level of trust and understanding that has translated into the on-field success of the Vikings.