Zygi Wilf created controversy among fans when the Vikings owner approved a contract extension for coach Brad Childress during the past season. But after a 12-4 regular season, a second consecutive NFC North championship, a playoff win over Dallas and a near miss victory against New Orleans that would have sent the Vikings to the Super Bowl, the decision is justified.
It’s been reported that Childress was given an extension through 2013 and his annual compensation will be $4-$5 million. The new terms were announced on November 19 when the Vikings had an 8-1 record. The contract was both recognition of what Childress had achieved since taking over in 2006 and also apparently a management move to create stability in the organization.
Wilf and his ownership partners could have waited until season’s end to evaluate the contract situation. That was a less risky move and one advocated by those who thought that despite annual improved records of 6-10, 8-8 and 10-6, Childress might not deserve to have his original five year contract upgraded (annual compensation reportedly at $2 million or less).
Childress hasn’t been a fan favorite from day one on the job. He hasn’t always made the right decisions but then who does? In Sunday night’s game against New Orleans the Vikings screwed up their field position for a potential game winning field goal by having 12 players on the field and being penalized five yards.
But coaching is much more difficult than most fans realize. Childress hadn’t been a college or pro head coach prior to coming here, but he’s gained experience and improved since 2006. His contract situation now reflects ownership’s faith in him and provides stability for the organization.
“As you look towards the off season, it’s definitely a nice comforting fact that you don’t have any questions regarding the leadership of this organization,” said linebacker Ben Leber. “As a player you hate going through coaching changes. You got extra mini camps (with a new coach) and…tough training camps. I think the older guys appreciate that he’s going to be here.”
Leber, placekicker Ryan Longwell, offensive tackle Steve Hutchinson, and running back Chester Taylor were free agents that Childress brought to the roster for his first season. “Every year he’s added pieces to the puzzle,” Longwell said. “You can tell the personalities of the guys in the locker room are very much in the image that he sold to us…first class, (and) about wanting good guys who are good football players.”
Leber said Childress has “improved” as a head coach. “He came in as a good coach and now he’s one of the better coaches in the league.”
Leber appreciates that Childress has made good on his vision for the franchise. “He’s done great from the time that we came in together, until now,” he said. “He’s built this organization and this locker room into a consistent winner, and that’s all you can ask for a coach.”