Pug

Fred Pagac, affectionately know as Pug, was hired by Brad Childress in 2006 to coach the Vikings linebackers. When defensive coordinator, Leslie Frazier, replaced Childress, Pagac was promoted to defensive coordinator. I'm very curious to see the direction of the defense. Late in the season, Pagac unleashed a very aggressive, blitzing attack that harassed the Eagles, Michael Vick in particular, all night. The Eagles idiot QB entered the game involved in every conversation for league MVP honors. He left that game outside of those conversations and very much beaten. The Vikings have had strong defenses the past few years, but they have been more of a reacting defense with sound tackling. That night they were much more attacking and disruptive.

Of all the coaches hired by Childress, Pagac and Mike Tomlin intrigued me the most. Tomlin because of his youth. Pagac because he has been coaching for over 30 years, mostly in college at Ohio State. Pagac started at his alma mater in 1978 as a graduate assistant to his former coach, Woody Hayes. Starting in 1982, Pagac coached the Buckeye linebackers until he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1996. His defenses were some of the best in college football. One of his star pupils was the awesome cornerback Antoine Winfield. Pagac moved to the NFL in 2000, coaching linebackers for the Raiders and Chiefs prior to joining the Vikings. He was on the Raiders staff for Super Bowl XXXVII.

With the recent success of the Vikings defense, the coordinator position has been a springboard to head coaching positions. First, Tomlin jumped to the Steelers in 2007. Frazier was hired to replace him and has interviewed for head coaching positions after each season, finally replacing Childress this year. With the uncertainty at the defensive coordinator position after each season, it was always reassuring to have Pagac in place. He brought a stability, an energy to the field. The players love playing for him. Anyone known as Pug has to bring something great. I have always had a fondness for the longtime assistant coaches. They simply love the game. They aren't looking for any headlines. Always refreshing. They are only in it for the football. Frazier made a very interesting addition to the Vikings when he hired Mike Singletary to replace Pagac as linebacker coach. With Pagac and Singletary, there may be more energy on the sideline than on the field. If Pagac brings a defense anything like the beat down on Vick, it should be a fun ride