By Andy Weise
Brad Childress is staying on as the coach of the Minnesota (for now) Vikings until 2013 after it was announced yesterday that he received a contract extension. Childress was .500 before the 2009 season began but an 8-1 start has cooled some of the “Chili Haters” that once dominated the Metrodome on game days.
Childress came over from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006 after being labeled as the person who helped develop Donovan McNabb. He then tried to develop Tarvaris Jackson into a quality NFL quarterback even after calling him a piece of clay after drafting him. To Childress’ credit, each year the Vikings had gotten better record wise, 6-10, 8-8 and 10-6 last year but before a certain quarterback arrived this year Vikings fans weren’t too sold on him.
One thing is for sure: No Brad Childress, no Brett Favre. The ties with Childress and his offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell are the main reasons why Brett Favre is playing for the Vikings. Childress allowed Favre to come in still after missing camp and has silenced most of his critics. As we know, winning football games often cures all problems or “schisms.”
My personal opinion on the extension? I’m fine with it however the timing is a little weird. I’ve loved the way the Vikings have started out but there is still plenty of time for things to blow up, and then what? Childress should have been given an extension following the season, assuming the results were at least playoffs and one win in the playoffs. The way the Vikings are going right now they would have a first round bye and should at least be able to beat any other NFC opponent at home. A date with New Orleans in the NFC Championship seems inevitable right now but the Eagles and Cardinals were in the title game last year and virtually no one predicted that.
Childress always said his offense was a “Kick Ass Offense” or simply known as the KAO here in Minnesota. He finally got a QB this year who knew how to run and it definitely has been kick ass. It doesn’t hurt too that ownership has basically given him every possible big name player to bring in. Since Childress became the head coach, they’ve signed or traded for Steve Hutchinson, Chester Taylor, Ben Leber, Visanthe Shiancoe, Jared Allen, Madieu Williams, Bernard Berrian and of course, No. 4. With all that talent, he should be winning. Let’s hope this in-season extension doesn’t come back to haunt the Vikings.