Which postseason coach would Peyton Manning most like to play for? You know.

“Every time I’ve ever had a chance to have any interactions with Peyton, I’ve always told him how much I respect him and he’s meant for this league,” O’Connell said. “So having that text was one of them.

“What his words mean … it’s Peyton Manning,” he added. “So it meant a lot to me that he would say that.”

O’Connell noted that he and Manning were able to “connect a little bit more,” and he appreciated even more hearing specifically what the former QB appreciates about his approach.

“The reasons why he’s someone who’s incredibly attentive to some of the details that matter to me and how we built this place,” O’Connell said. “So it meant a lot. There’s no other way to say it — it meant a lot.”

As another part of Clark’s interview, Manning was asked if there are any “lessons” to be learned about patience and quarterback development from the success Darnold has had in Minnesota this season.

While acknowledging that there are things to learn, Manning emphasized that “some of the credit has to go to Sam” and that not every similar situation would yield similar results.

He praised Darnold’s determination and “what do they call that, stickiness?”

“I mean, he’s stayed the course,” Manning said. “He’s been in different systems (over his career) and it’s not easy. Whether you’re on the same team for five years or you’re on different teams, it’s different offensive coordinators, different systems, different cultures. It’s not easy, and Sam has just embraced it.

“Everywhere he’s been, he’s been a pro; he’s picked up the system,” Manning added, pointing to Darnold’s 2023 season as the 49ers’ backup quarterback and always being ready if called upon.

“A lot of credit goes to him,” he said. “But yeah, there’s definitely a lesson that just because things don’t work out right away in a guy’s first stop doesn’t mean, ‘Let’s just write him off forever.'”

Manning said it’s been “fun” watching Darnold put up career-high numbers and help lead the Vikings to a 14-3 season and postseason opportunity.

“He’s played some outstanding football,” Manning said. “I watched film this week and I think he made some big throws in critical situations.”