Brad Childress
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Bradley Childress (born June 27, 1956) is a former
American football American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...
coach. He worked for over 40 years as a coach for various college programs and
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
(NFL) franchises. He was the offensive coordinator for
Wisconsin Wisconsin () is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. Wisconsin is the 25th-largest state by total area and the 20th-most populous. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake M ...
from 1994 to 1998, the offensive coordinator for the
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays ...
from 1999 to 2005, the head coach of the
Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion ...
from 2006 to 2010, the offensive coordinator for the
Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland. Named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference ( ...
in 2012, and the offensive coordinator for the
Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The tea ...
in 2016.


Early life

He attended high school at the
Marmion Academy Marmion Academy (formerly Marmion Military Academy) is a grade 9–12 Roman Catholic high school for boys in Aurora, Illinois, United States. It is in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford. The academy is owned and operated by the Benedictine m ...
in
Aurora, Illinois Aurora is a city in the Chicago metropolitan area located partially in DuPage County, Illinois, DuPage, Kane County, Illinois, Kane, Kendall County, Illinois, Kendall, and Will County, Illinois, Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Locat ...
.LeGere, Bob
"Things weren't always so good for Vikings coach Childress."
'' Daily Herald'', January 21, 2010. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
Childress is a 1978 graduate of Eastern Illinois University,"2009 Eastern Illinois Media Guide."
pp. 84, 91. ''www.issuu.com.'' Retrieved September 29, 2013.
where he preceded current
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
head coach Sean Payton. Childress attended Eastern Illinois after playing quarterback and wide receiver at the University of Illinois. Childress suffered an injury before ever playing for Eastern Illinois. He was one of three Eastern Illinois University alumni who have been head coaches in the NFL, along with Sean Payton and
Mike Shanahan Michael Edward Shanahan (born August 24, 1952) is a former American football coach, best known as the head coach of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) from 1995 to 2008. During his fourteen seasons with the Broncos, he led ...
. Prior to his hiring by the Vikings, Childress had worked exclusively as an offensive coach, working his way up through the ranks at various colleges and NFL organizations, first as a position coach, culminating with his
offensive coordinator An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of an American football or Canadian football team who is in charge of the team's offense. Generally, along with the defensive coordinator and the special teams coordinator, this coach re ...
position with the Eagles.


Coaching career


College coaching

During the last four seasons of his tenure on the University of Illinois' coaching staff, the Illini posted four consecutive winning seasons ('81–'84),"Illinois Fighting Illini Index."
''www.sports-reference.com.'' Retrieved March 28, 2016.
including a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl in 1983."Rose Bowl History, Scores, Results."
''www.collegefootballpoll.com.'' Retrieved September 29, 2013.
Childress followed stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Northern Arizona, and the University of Utah with a successful run at the University of Wisconsin. Childress was the offensive coordinator under former Badger head coach
Barry Alvarez Barry Lee Alvarez (born December 30, 1946) is a former American football coach and athletic director at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He served as the head football coach at Wisconsin for 16 seasons, from 1990 to 2005, compiling a caree ...
, 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 Ronald Dayne (born March 14, 1978) is a former professional American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. Dayne played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers football, University of Wisco ...
for three seasons. Dayne went on to win the 1999
Heisman Trophy The Heisman Memorial Trophy (usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman) is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard ...
and finished his career as the all-time leading rusher in the
Football Bowl Subdivision The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), formerly known as Division I-A, is the highest level of college football in the United States. The FBS consists of the largest schools in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As ...
.


Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2005)

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 The Super Bowl is the annual final playoff game of the National Football League (NFL) to determine the league champion. It has served as the final game of every NFL season since 1966, replacing the NFL Championship Game. Since 2022, the game ...
trip in 2004."Philadelphia Eagles Team Encyclopedia."
''www.pro-football-reference.com.'' Retrieved September 29, 2013.
Andy Reid, the Eagles' head coach, had previously worked with Childress at Northern Arizona University, a staff that also included future NFL coaches Bill Callahan and
Marty Mornhinweg Marty Mornhinweg (born March 29, 1962) is an American football coach and former player who was a senior offensive consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was the offensive coordinator for the San Francis ...
."6 Degrees of Separation: NFL Playoffs and NAU."
''www.nauathletics.com.'' Retrieved March 28, 2016.
While Childress did not call plays for the Eagles (this responsibility was taken by Andy Reid), he did receive credit for his work with quarterback
Donovan McNabb Donovan Jamal McNabb (born November 25, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before his NFL career, he played football and b ...
, who was named to five
Pro Bowl The National Football League All-Star Game (1939–1942), Pro Bowl (1951–2022), or Pro Bowl Games (starting in 2023) is an annual event held by the National Football League (NFL) featuring the league's star players. The format has changed thro ...
s during his time with Childress.Zulgad, Judd, and Sid Hartma
"Vikings set to pick Brad Childress."
''www.startribune.com'', January 5, 2006. Retrieved September 29, 2013.


Minnesota Vikings (2006–2010)

On January 6, 2006, Childress was hired to be the 7th head coach of the
Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion ...
. This choice was the result of a short selection process. Former coach
Mike Tice Michael Peter Tice (born February 2, 1959) is a former American football tight end and coach. He played college football at the University of Maryland, College Park and spent 11 seasons playing in the National Football League (NFL) before spendin ...
was informed that his contract would not be renewed shortly after the Vikings' last game of the 2005 season on December 31. Four candidates were interviewed by the Vikings: Childress,
Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The tea ...
offensive coordinator
Al Saunders Alan Keith Saunders (born February 1, 1947) is an American football coach who most recently served as the senior offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Personal life Saunders was born in the north Lo ...
,
Indianapolis Colts The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Since the 2008 ...
assistant head coach Jim Caldwell, and former Vikings defensive coordinator
Ted Cottrell Theodore John Cottrell (born June 13, 1947) is an American football coach and former player. He was formerly the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and the San Diego Chargers in the National Football Le ...
. The Vikings were 9–7 with
Mike Tice Michael Peter Tice (born February 2, 1959) is a former American football tight end and coach. He played college football at the University of Maryland, College Park and spent 11 seasons playing in the National Football League (NFL) before spendin ...
the year before Childress was named head coach. After going 6–10 in his first year, the team went 8–8 in his second season, narrowly missing a playoff berth. This was followed by a 10–6 record and
NFC North The National Football Conference – Northern Division or NFC North is one of the four divisions of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). Nicknamed the "Black and Blue Division" for the rough and tough ri ...
title while battling the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL. However, the Vikings were defeated by the #6 seed Philadelphia Eagles 26–14 in the first round of the 2009 playoffs. On November 19, 2009, the Vikings announced they would be extending Childress's contract through the 2013 season. The owner
Zygi Wilf Zygmunt "Zygi" Wilf (born April 22, 1950) is an American billionaire businessman and real estate developer. He is the chairman and co-owner of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and the majority owner of MLS's Orlando City. Early life Wilf was bor ...
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." Partly due to frustration with the development of quarterback
Tarvaris Jackson Tarvaris D'Andre Jackson (April 21, 1983 – April 12, 2020) was an American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Jackson played college football for both Alabama State and Arkansas. He played professionally for the ...
, the Vikings signed
Brett Favre Brett Lorenzo Favre ( ; born October 10, 1969) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers. Favre had 321 consecutive starts from 1992 to 20 ...
for the 2009 season. Favre joined to the team after a controversial courtship which included Childress picking him up at the airport. Favre led the Vikings to a 12–4 season, losing to the
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
in the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings acquired wide receiver
Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee ...
and a seventh-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft from the
New England Patriots The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East divisio ...
in early October 2010 in exchange for the Vikings' third-round selection in the 2011 Draft. Just four weeks later he was waived under Childress' direction, incurring the wrath of Vikings fans. ESPN reported that Childress did not consider consulting with team owner
Zygi Wilf Zygmunt "Zygi" Wilf (born April 22, 1950) is an American billionaire businessman and real estate developer. He is the chairman and co-owner of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and the majority owner of MLS's Orlando City. Early life Wilf was bor ...
on this decision. After the unilateral decision to cut Moss, Childress' integrity was questioned by at least one former Vikings beat reporter.Seifert, Kevin
"Free Head Exam: Brad Childress."
''
ESPN.com ESPN.com is the official website of ESPN. It is owned by ESPN Internet Ventures, a division of ESPN Inc. History Since launching in April 1995 as ESPNET.SportsZone.com (ESPNET SportsZone), the website has developed numerous sections including ...
'', November 2, 2010. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
Childress was fired on November 22, 2010, following a 31–3 home loss to the
Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. It ...
which dropped the team to 3–7 on the year.


Cleveland Browns (2012)

On January 27, 2012, Childress became the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator, reuniting with head coach Pat Shurmur, whom he worked alongside at the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2005. He lasted just one season in Cleveland, and was let go at the end of the year along with head coach Pat Shurmur and the rest of the coaching staff.


Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2017)

On March 28, 2013, new head coach of the
Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The tea ...
Andy Reid Andrew Walter Reid (born March 19, 1958) is an American football coach who is the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Reid was previously head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999 to 2012. From 200 ...
hired Childress as the spread game analyst and special projects coordinator, a position he stayed at for three seasons. On January 18, 2016, he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator with
Matt Nagy Matthew Nagy ( or ; born April 24, 1978) is an American football coach, and former arena football quarterback, who is the senior assistant and quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He was the head ...
. During games, Childress worked from a stadium skybox and Nagy on the sidelines. On February 13, 2017, Childress was promoted to assistant head coach. Childress announced his retirement on January 8, 2018, following a wildcard round playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans.


Atlanta Legends

On April 25, 2018, the
Alliance of American Football The Alliance of American Football (AAF) was a professional American football minor league. The AAF consisted of eight centrally owned and operated teams in the southern and western United States, seven of which were located in metropolitan are ...
announced Childress would serve as head coach of the Atlanta Legends starting with the inaugural 2019 season. On January 9, 2019, one month before the team's first game, Childress resigned, with defensive coordinator
Kevin Coyle Kevin Coyle (born January 14, 1956) is an American football coach who is currently the defensive coordinator at Fresno State. Prior to that, Coyle was a senior analyst at LSU. He served as head coach of the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of Amer ...
succeeding him. In a 2019 interview with the ''
Chicago Sun-Times The ''Chicago Sun-Times'' is a daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Since 2022, it is the flagship paper of Chicago Public Media, and has the second largest circulation among Chicago newspapers, after the ''Chicago T ...
'', Childress explained his decision was spurred by doubts about the AAF's long-term viability prior to the start of the season. The league would fold midseason for financial troubles.


Chicago Bears (2018–2019)

On February 27, 2018, Childress came out of retirement to reunite with Nagy on the
Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The Bears have won nine NF ...
as an offensive consultant. Serving through the 2018 offseason and training camp, Childress assisted Nagy in developing and installing his offense. Childress rejoined the Bears on May 1, 2019, as the senior offensive assistant. He retired from coaching in April 2020.


Head coaching record


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Childress, Brad 1956 births Living people American football quarterbacks Chicago Bears coaches Cleveland Browns coaches Eastern Illinois Panthers football players Illinois Fighting Illini football coaches Illinois Fighting Illini football players Indianapolis Colts coaches Kansas City Chiefs coaches Minnesota Vikings head coaches National Football League offensive coordinators Northern Arizona Lumberjacks football coaches Philadelphia Eagles coaches Utah Utes football coaches Wisconsin Badgers football coaches Sportspeople from Aurora, Illinois