Brad Childress and the difference a week makes
Posted on December 23rd, 2008 – 1:49 PMBy Michael Rand
Two weeks ago, we marveled at the lack of faith — or love — being directed toward the first-place Vikings and head coach Brad Childress. That was followed by a three-touchdown win at Arizona, an approval rating that shot way up, and talk of a possible first-round bye. And now, just one weekend of football later — four fumbles and a Packers meltdown included — the pendulum has swung so far back in the other direction that we have to ask you, dear readers, this: if the Vikings stumble and miss the playoffs with back-to-back home losses to end the regular season, will Childress be around for Year 4 of his contract? We’re not asking if you think he should be back. Just look at the situation at face value. Do you think owner Zygi Wilf would bring Childress back if the Vikings miss the playoffs?
Consider: The Vikings had won eight of their past 10 games before Sunday. It is not the coach’s fault that players put the ball on the carpet seven times against the Falcons, losing four fumbles in a game the Vikings otherwise should have won. Consider also the absurdity that Mason Crosby’s right foot might have put Childress on both the road to salvation and the road to ruin, even though his kicking is surely not something the coach can control. Also consider Wilf’s preference for patience … but also consider his taste for quick decisions. Said Wilf on Jan. 6, 2006, the day Childress was announced as the new Vikings coach, less than a week after Mike Tice was fired minutes after coaching the final game of the season:
“The people who think I’m panicky don’t know their football. How is that, OK? I’ll be quite blunt. I learned in the real estate business, when you’re going after something you want, you go after it quickly, decisively, and you make sure you get it. You make sure you get the person you want before the next person does.”
Wilf expressed supreme confidence in Childress during a Star Tribune Q&A just a few weeks ago. The question for you: will that confidence remain if this season ends Sunday?
14 Responses to "Brad Childress and the difference a week makes"
“Do you think owner Zygi Wilf would bring Childress back if the Vikings miss the playoffs?”
Rand, will the outcome of this decision change your decision on whether or not you’ll buy this for next season?
I think that he sticks around regardless, but that there may be front-office changes.
Childress should and will stick around for the next decade.
Minneapolis will have the reputation of the city that won’t fire worthless coaches/GM’s.
Patrick Reusse will have his third heart attack after writing another article about hiring a head coach.
*Firing not hiring on Reusse’s part.
Mark Teixiera is signing with the Yankees. Carl Pohlad rolls in his grave.
I used to think we would have been better off with Sean Payton or Eric Mangini, but they aren’t doing so hot now either…
“Patrick Reusse will have his third heart attack after writing another article about hiring a head coach.”
Too bad we can’t go through coaches like the Bears go through Quarterbacks.
Joker
I agree. Why are the Vikings trying to catch the Bears in QB’s used since 1988? That position hasn’t exactly been locked down over the last 3 years in MN either.
Since 2005:
Daunte
Bollinger
JT
Johnson
Holcomb
Jackson
Ferrotte
[redacted]
The question for you: will that confidence remain if this season ends Sunday?
No. One week from today, the Vikings will either be gearing up for a home playoff game or looking for a new head coach. There is no third alternative.
Actually Stu, if the Vikings tie they could still get a wild card spot. So technically there is a third alternative, a road playoff game.
Merry Christmas Randball if I don’t get a chance to get back on…
You’ve got a whorish mouth, jama. That said, you’re correct.
