Tice decision might come Monday

**SharperVikings** · 12-31-2005, 03:05 AM

Posted on Fri, Dec. 30, 2005
Tice decision might come MondayBY DON SEEHOLZER and SEAN JENSENPioneer PressVikings coach Mike Tice could know his fate by Monday.
Team officials said Friday that owner Zygi Wilf would provide some clarity on Tice's status at that time, a day after the Vikings' season finale against the Chicago Bears.
"I think the sooner the better for all involved," Tice said Friday.
A decision on whether or not to retain Tice, whose contract expires Jan. 31, could be made Monday. If no decision is made, Wilf is expected to provide an indication of Tice's future, the team officials said.
Wilf, who has not responded to interview requests, was vacationing this week and traveling with his family on Friday. He is expected to arrive in the Twin Cities for Sunday's game and will be at the team's Winter Park headquarters on Monday.
Tice has been frustrated by his self-proclaimed "lame-duck" status, and he strongly hinted earlier this week that he and his staff needed to know about their futures.
Teams not in the playoffs typically begin their review of players immediately, and teams also may begin signing free-agent players for the 2006 season. In addition, teams that fire coaches typically start interviewing potential replacements right away. Even assistant coaches under contract to playoff teams that win wild-card games can be interviewed for head coaching jobs Jan. 13-14.
Despite Tice's preference, Wilf apparently has not strayed from his season-long position on his coaching staff. Throughout the season, even after the Vikings' miserable start, Wilf insisted he would not evaluate Tice and the staff until the end of the season.
Tice led his team through a light-hearted practice Friday, during which he wore extra long shorts and socks up to his knees. He also wore a grey Vikings T-shirt with the bottom cut up, reminiscent of receiver Randy Moss.
"I wanted to make sure we had some fun out here and got our work done," Tice said. "They know it's the last Friday, so it's tough. But they made the best of it."
Tice said earlier in the week it was important to him and the organization they finish with a winning record.
"That'll give us all a good taste in our mouths when we leave the building on Monday afternoon," Tice said this week.
Meanwhile, Wilf also should quickly provide insight on other key staffers, including Rob Brzezinski, the team's vice president of football operations. Wilf told the Pioneer Press last month that, "I intend to have him a part of our organization for many years to come."

**ChosenOne** · 12-31-2005, 03:11 AM

Tice will be finished with Monday.
Pack up you stuff Mike!

**vikinggreg** · 12-31-2005, 03:18 AM

In fairness to Tice (so long) he should know if he'll be looking for a job or rebuilding his staff. My fear is he will stay and keep his staff on but that is up to Zygi, but the sooner we know the better.