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Kevin O’Connell first connected with Johnny Manziel in 2014 as a private quarterback coach, preparing the Heisman Trophy winner for the NFL Draft while building a relationship that would shape both their careers. When the Cleveland Browns hired O’Connell as their quarterbacks coach in February 2015, the franchise was directly influenced by his prior work with Manziel and their established trust.
During a recent appearance on Glory Daze Podcast, Manziel opened up about what O’Connell means to him, looking back at those formative pre-draft days when their partnership began. The appreciation in his voice made clear how much that early mentorship still resonates with him today.
“Kevin O’Connell was with me pre-draft. He did my board work and film room work because he’s preparing me for the NFL. The Texans had the 1st pick that year. He had been with Bill O’Brien, so he was very much sitting down with me trying to teach me Bill’s offense to be able to go into a meeting room and try and be the 1st pick in the draft. We spent every day together for pre-draft – training camp.” Manziel said. “He always holds like a really special place in my heart and a guy that I talk very highly about,”
Always grateful for Kevin O’Connell. @glorydazepod pic.twitter.com/4iYVfscBRr
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) November 28, 2025
When O’Connell joined the Browns’ coaching staff under Mike Pettine, Manziel already had complete confidence in him. Following a difficult first season and a period in rehabilitation, their bond only strengthened.
Manziel lived with O’Connell and his family in a residence connected to the facility, occupying the downstairs bedroom while working to restore stability through offseason programs. Amid intense scrutiny, public setbacks, and the demanding return to football, O’Connell provided consistent guidance through it all.
Yet O’Connell’s presence could not reverse Manziel’s trajectory. His rookie year saw limited snaps across five games with two starts, resulting in an 0-2 record in those contests. The 2015 season brought six starts and a 2-4 mark, but off-field troubles mounted quickly.
Videos of partying prompted benching, a concussion ended his season, and allegations emerged after the year concluded. On March 11, 2016, Cleveland released Manziel, concluding his 14-game tenure with the franchise.
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