McCombs almost fired Tice?

**gpete13** · 03-03-2005, 12:40 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2004074

McCombs said he considered firing Tice
Associated Press

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs says he nearly fired coach Mike Tice late last season in an effort to get more out of star receiver Randy Moss.

McCombs made his first public comments Thursday since the team traded Moss to the Oakland Raiders.

McCombs said he was so desperate to "get a spark out of Randy" that he considered firing Tice just before Moss returned from a hamstring injury.

He thought making such a move would shake up the team and motivate its star player.

In Moss' seven years with the team, McCombs said the team tried everything to get the most out the talented but combustible player, but failed.

So McCombs decided to ship Moss to the Raiders, who seem to be a perfect fit.

When asked about it, Tice joked that he contemplated quitting so he felt he and McCombs were even.

In exchange for Moss, the Vikings receive linebacker Napoleon Harris, the No. 7 pick in April's NFL draft and a late-round pick.

Thats so nice! He says nothing and now this.

**Foreman44** · 03-03-2005, 01:00 PM

This is no surprise to me. Red has never had a clue. It goes all the way back to firing Green

**DaScRuM** · 03-03-2005, 01:00 PM

Why say this now? Why can't he just keep his mouth shut?-----OH, THAT'S RIGHT, he's a car salesman!!!

**Mr Anderson** · 03-03-2005, 01:07 PM

I hate that dickcheese

**chennegar** · 03-03-2005, 01:19 PM

god, when will this nightmare of Red McCombs end????????

**Viking_Spirit** · 03-03-2005, 05:18 PM

Should have fired Tice.....

**LosAngelis** · 03-03-2005, 05:30 PM

From my point of view as what is unbiasedly best for the Vikes?

Tice should be gone. He was brought in, if for no other reason, because it was thought he could keep Moss happy.

He's been inept and a terrible motivator. He tries to be a buddy to the players instead of the authority.

Cut on McCombs all you want (he's more than earned it), but he's got some good ideas.

1) Despite his idiotic rationalization he gave in his interview, he recognized that Randy Moss was better off gone. The leader of your team should be the player who touches that ball every play, not the one who gets four or five touches a game. Daunte can now lead this team around his style, not trying to adjust to a wide receiver's style and demands.

2) Getting rid of Tice is the next best thing you can do. You may ask who is better out there, I would ask who is worse. You need a coach who can coach now, not one who can keep the petualant receiver "controlled". Its a bit more important to keep monemtum going into the second half of the season, and peak at the end and in the playoffs, rather than throw chairs and defend your players.

3) Selling the team. He's an idiot, and he's coming close to driving your team into the ground. I do like Fowler, his troubles aside. He seems to have the personality to make things happen, though we still have to see about the money.

With your picks, your cap space, a smart coach, and an owner/admin that can use it wisely and make it work on the field...you should be contending for a Super Bowl.

Just MHO.

**VKG4LFE** · 03-03-2005, 05:47 PM

Ah what do you know, you're a packer fan.....wait, that was opinions that somewhat supported the vikes! Way to go los, you're turning into one of us!!! (a VIKES fan that is!!)

**ajefx** · 03-03-2005, 06:34 PM

"LosAngelis" wrote:

From my point of view as what is unbiasedly best for the Vikes?

Tice should be gone. He was brought in, if for no other reason, because it was thought he could keep Moss happy.

He's been inept and a terrible motivator. He tries to be a buddy to the players instead of the authority.

Cut on McCombs all you want (he's more than earned it), but he's got some good ideas.

1) Despite his idiotic rationalization he gave in his interview, he recognized that Randy Moss was better off gone. The leader of your team should be the player who touches that ball every play, not the one who gets four or five touches a game. Daunte can now lead this team around his style, not trying to adjust to a wide receiver's style and demands.

2) Getting rid of Tice is the next best thing you can do. You may ask who is better out there, I would ask who is worse. You need a coach who can coach now, not one who can keep the petualant receiver "controlled". Its a bit more important to keep monemtum going into the second half of the season, and peak at the end and in the playoffs, rather than throw chairs and defend your players.

3) Selling the team. He's an idiot, and he's coming close to driving your team into the ground. I do like Fowler, his troubles aside. He seems to have the personality to make things happen, though we still have to see about the money.

With your picks, your cap space, a smart coach, and an owner/admin that can use it wisely and make it work on the field...you should be contending for a Super Bowl.

Just MHO.

I'd agree that Tice is a pitiful coach, but he has done a nice job in the draft surprisingly.

Who was the last defensive guy that Denny drafted that did any good? Expecially one that we drafted in a high spot? Despite our blunders on the last few draft days, we do have some young talent, especially on D.