O’Connell is the son of a former Federal Bureau of Investigations agent, O'Connell spent his childhood years in Carlsbad, California, where he attended La Costa Canyon High School. At La Costa Canyon, O'Connell lettered in both football and basketball. In football, as a junior, he passed for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior, he was named his Team's Most Valuable Player, and selected to All-League, All-North County, and All-San Diego teams. In basketball, he was a two-year letterman, and a teammate of Arizona standout Chase Budinger. O'Connell graduated from La Costa Canyon in 2003.
Playing career
College
O'Connell graduated from San Diego State University in December 2007 with a degree in political science. At SDSU, where he was a four-year team captain, he started 21 games, the sixth-most among SDSU quarterbacks, and ranked first in school history in career rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks; in 2007 he led the team in rushing yards. Passing, he ranked tenth in yardage, eighth in attempts, and seventh in completions. O'Connell played in both the 2008 Hula Bowl and the 2008 East-West Shrine Game. He was the Kai team quarterback in the 2008 Hula Bowl, where he led the offense and was one of the Kai team's only bright spots. He was 11-of-21 for 147 yards, and completed the pass which resulted in the Kai's only score of the game.
National Football League
Just prior to being drafted, San Diego sports writer Nick Canepa described O'Connell as having a great background and leadership qualities. At the 2008 NFL Combine, O'Connell ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds; only University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson had a faster time.
The New England Patriots selected O'Connell with their third pick of the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. O'Connell rushed for a touchdown in the 2008 preseason against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter, in a game the Patriots eventually lost 19-14. He made his NFL debut on September 21, 2008 in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins, throwing his first four career passes and completing three. O'Connell was waived by the Patriots on August 30, 2009, two days after a preseason game in which starting quarterback Tom Brady was injured, and, in the second half, O'Connell threw two interceptions and only threw 3 completions on 10 attempts. The Patriots gave no explanation for releasing O'Connell, who was in competition with veteran quarterback Andrew Walter, signed after his release from the Oakland Raiders, and undrafted free agent rookie Brian Hoyer of Michigan State.
Detroit Lions
O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions on September 1, 2009.
The Lions traded O'Connell to the New York Jets, for a 7th round 2011 draft pick, on September 6, 2009. He was named a team captain for the September 20 game against the New England Patriots. On August 31, 2010, New York would release O'Connell. Following his departure, O'Connell found that he had a torn labrum in his throwing arm, an injury he sustained during the preseason. The injury required surgery. Following his release, the New York Jets re-signed O'Connell to a two-year deal. He had been placed on the injured reserve list. He was later released again on July 29, 2011.
Miami Dolphins
On August 5, 2011, O'Connell signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was waived on September 3.
Second stint with the Jets
O'Connell was claimed off waivers by the Jets on September 4, 2011.
San Diego Chargers
O'Connell was signed by the San Diego Chargers on July 29, 2012 to serve as an emergency back-up in the Chargers' practices with Charlie Whitehurst suffering an injury and Kyle Boller announcing his retirement from the league. He was released on August 12, 2012.
NFL statistics
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Coaching career
Cleveland Browns
On February 17, 2015, it was announced that O'Connell was named to the position of quarterbacks coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2015 NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers
O'Connell was hired to the offensive staff of the San Francisco 49ers on February 26, 2016.
Washington Redskins
On January 20, 2017, O'Connell was hired to be the quarterbacks coach of the Washington Redskins. O'Connell himself was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2019 season, with Cavanaugh moving to a senior assistant role. Following the season's end, O'Connell was not retained by incoming new head coach Ron Rivera.
Los Angeles Rams
On January 16, 2020, O'Connell was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator.
