Brad Childress: Vikings Players Respond to His Firing

Brad Childress' firing with six weeks remaining in the regular season garnered sympathy and respect from Vikings players who also expressed regret over their lack of performance thus far this season, according to statements on the Minnesota Vikings website.

Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, and Vikings players also said they were confident of and trusted the incoming coach.

"Childress is a good guy, a man with strong faith and a great family; I wish him the best in the future," Vikings quarterback Brett Favre said, adding, "I think we all, starting with me, could have done more to make this a successful season."

Star running back Adrian Peterson said he was "sad" over Childress' firing, saying, "I feel for Coach Childress today. I’ve got the utmost respect for him and I will always owe him."

Both key members of the Minnesota offense, along with many other Vikings, also praised new head coach Leslie Frazier and said they were looking forward to playing under his leadership.

Vikings defensive end Jared Allen called Frazier a "stand-up guy who has our respect" and that "Leslie’s great at managing players and coaches, and I know the guys will play hard over the next six weeks."

Linebacker Chad Greenway said Frazier was someone the team was "very comfortable with. He’s never too up and down, and he does a good job with game-planning and preparing for opponents."

In an interview with Mike Wobschall on the Vikings.com website, Interim Coach Frazier described the change as an opportunity. “I’m looking forward to how our players respond,” he said.

Frazier describes Childress as a ‘mentor’ to him and that he has enjoyed their working relationship and friendship.

With a losing record of 3-7, Minnesota's next game will be against the Washington Redskins (5-5) on Sunday, Nov. 28 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.