Even Through Success, Brad Childress Commands Disdain
In a week in which Rex Ryan is being feted by some as the next coach to join the ranks of the elite, the coach of another team still vying for a championship is still being run through the mud. Though Brad Childress has the benefit of coaching a team with a loaded roster, he’s still overseen a team that’s making its first conference championship appearance in nine years.↵↵Should Childress proceed to win a championship, he could be the most derided title-winning coach since Barry Switzer.↵
↵↵⇥His own players tease him. Outsiders say he doesn’t even run the team. Other coaches crack about his appearance. Not only didn’t he win NFL coach of the year this season, he didn’t merit a single vote on a single ballot.↵⇥↵⇥Has there ever been such a successful NFL coach who appears to command less respect than Childress?↵⇥
↵⇥↵⇥ “Everybody in Minnesota knows that Brett Favre is running that organization,” former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “If I’m Percy Harvin, and I have a question on a route or a play, I’m going right to Brett Favre. If I’m Adrian Peterson and I’m not getting the carries I want, I don’t go to Childress or [offensive coordinator Darrell] Bevell, I go to Brett Favre. He’s running the team.”↵⇥
↵↵↵Childress rightly took heat for not benching Favre when he struggled late in the regular season against the Panthers. While Chilly’s authority may wane when it comes to getting Brett off the field, it’s overly simplistic to say that Favre runs the team or that Childress deserves no credit when they win. ↵
↵↵Childress’ situational playcalling can be questionable. His decision to pass on the Vikings last drive before the first half against Dallas rankled Vikings fans even in a decisive victory. And his clock management skills are often suspect. His arrogance does him no favors either. While Chilly may not cut a likable or imposing figure, he certainly merits better than being considered a wholly undeserving coach.↵
↵↵(H/T to SB Nation)↵
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This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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