Shades of the Denny Green era
In at least one way, the Brad Childress era of the Minnesota Vikings is starting to feel a bit like the tenure of another Vikings coach, Dennis Green. What I mean is this: early in Green’s run, he had a top-performing defensive coordinator who was snatched away for a head coaching spot, ensuring Green remained coach of the Vikings long-term. I’m speaking, of course, about SuperBowl-bound Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy.
The Vikings have, ever since, regretted keeping Green and letting Dungy slip through their fingers. Now history is repeating itself as the Pittsburgh Steelers have hired away the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Mike Tomlin, who many regard as a better coach than Childress; with his departure, many feel Childress has improved his job security with the Vikings.
Of course, Coach Childress had best not leap to looking into the painting costs for redecorating the head coach’s office in his own style; fans are still fairly unforgiving around here and Childress’ debut season with the Vikings had many calling for his head after only one chance.
That’s a bit ridiculous, but next season may already put Coach Childress on the hotseat with the Vikings; after all, firing coaches is becoming pretty trendy in Minnesota lately. In the past month or so, Dan Monson, Glen Mason and Dwayne Casey have all been kicked to the curb.
Could Childress be next?
