Ex-Vikings Head Coach

(photo caption) Ex-Vikings Head Coach Mike Tice.

The Vikings will soon hire the seventh coach in their history after firing Mike Tice today.

Only five men can call themselves "Ex-Vikings Head Coach". They are, in order: Bud Grant, Les Steckel, Jerry Burns, Dennis Green, and now Mike Tice. The other former "header" was Norm Van Brocklin, who is deceased.

It's never in good taste to celebrate someone losing their job, and Fogbot will definitely not partake in such celebrations with Tice's firing. However, I called this happening back in November.

Speaking of November, I also published this wish list back then:

"Names I'd like to see the Vikings interview:Herm Edwards (NY Jets); Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans); Brian Billick (Baltimore Ravens); Mark Richt (University of Georgia); Karl Dorrell (UCLA); Pete Carroll* (USC / *only if Norm Chow signs on to be the O.C.)

As well as this wish list:

Names I'd like to see the Vikings avoid like the plague:Mike Tice; Dennis Erickson; Les Steckel; Jim Fassel; Ron Gardenhire; Dick Jauron; Ted Cottrell; Chris Palmer; Jimmy Rodgers; Dom Capers

What's scary about the second wish list is that Jim Fassel's name has already been bandied about quite liberally today. Apparently, the Vikings have already contacted the Washington Redskins regarding Gregg Williams, who would be a great candidate. Others names to watch / listen for: Ron Rivera (Chicago - DC); Kurt Ferentz (U of Iowa); and Brad Childress (Philadelphia - OC).

This should be an interesting off-season.