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People familiar with the situation have long maintained that owner Zygi Wilf planned for a three-year rebuilding process when he hired Childress in January 2006, taking into account the perceived need for both a personnel overhaul and an organizational culture change. By definition, that timetable made 2008 a make-or-break year for Childress, all things being equal. After finishing 6-10 in 2006 and 8-8 in 2007, the logical next step is a playoff berth in 2008.

Would Wilf fire Childress if the Vikings fall short of the playoffs? No one, not even Wilf, knows for sure. But it should be noted that Wilf is an impulsive businessman who trusts his instincts and isn't afraid to make expensive and quick decisions. After all, he fired his first personnel director (Fran Foley) after the 2006 draft and gave a contract extension to the replacement (Rick Spielman) before the 2008 draft.

It's too simple to say that Childress' job security depends on the Vikings making the playoffs this season. There are enough variables, injuries among them, that prevent such blanket statements. But this much is clear: Childress is entering the third year of a three-year rebuilding process. You do the math.