Brad Childress
Offensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Brad Childress is the former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Childress has worked for over thirty years as a coach for various college programs and NFL franchises.
Childress is 1978 graduate of Eastern Illinois University, where he preceded current New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Childress attended Eastern Illinois after playing quarterback and wide receiver at the University of Illinois. He was one of three Eastern Illinois University alums who are head coaches in the NFL, along with Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan. Prior to his hiring by the Vikings, Childress had worked exclusively as an offensive coach, working his way up through the ranks in various college and NFL organizations, first as a position coach, culminating with his offensive coordinator position with the Eagles.
During the last four seasons of his tenure on the University of Illinois' coaching staff, the Illini posted four consecutive winning seasons ('81-'84), including a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl in 1983. Childress followed stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Northern Arizona, and the University of Utah with a very successful run at the University of Wisconsin. Childress was the offensive coordinator under former Badger head coach Barry Alvarez, and directed offenses that helped the Badgers to five bowl game appearances from 1993–1998, including two Rose Bowls as Big Ten co-champions following the 1993 and 1998 seasons. He coached running back Ron Dayne for three seasons. Dayne went on to win the 1999 Heisman Trophy and finished his career as the all-time leading rusher in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Childress joined the Philadelphia Eagles for the 1999 NFL season, and helped the team to three consecutive trips to the NFC Championship game (2001–03), and a Super Bowl trip in 2004. Andy Reid, the Eagles' head coach, had previously worked with Childress at Northern Arizona University. Childress did not call plays, as this responsibility was taken by Andy Reid. He did receive credit for his work with quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was named to five Pro Bowls during his time with Childress.
On January 6, 2006, Childress was hired to be the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. On November 19, 2009, the Vikings announced they would be extending Brad Childress's contract through the 2013 season. Owner Zygi Wilf was cited as saying, “Brad has done a tremendous job leading this football team and we value the positive environment he has created for the Minnesota Vikings on and off the field. He has continued to positively impact this team and create a strong foundation for future success." In 2009, the Vikings had a 12-4 season, and lost to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game.
Childress was relieved of his duties on November 22, 2010, following a 31–3 home loss to the Green Bay Packers, which dropped the team to 3-7 on the year.