We're very happy to have him on our team. I think it is essential in our coaches' game plan to have a strong line on defense and offense. Just his character and his determination will pull everyone up to a higher level.

We feel this is a defining moment in our ownership, and I think we did this as meticulously and as forthcoming as we could have. It really felt like this is our team. This is the direction we want to go.

People who think I'm panicky don't know their football. I'll be quite blunt.

The only place I would possibly consider in that context is Sioux Falls. We feel from a regional standpoint, it's really the heart of the Vikings' base, outside of Minnesota.

I have to be active. No, I'm not going to call the plays. But I'm going to go ahead and make sure that the right people do the right things. I think it's very important that the message is out that the person on the top is watching over them, making sure everything is done right. We're going to try to strive for excellence. I'll try to figure out what it will take for us to be the champs.

There is no easy way, or a good time, to let someone know that their contract will not be renewed. We didn't want him to twist in the wind another night.