The brand new Alliance of American Football League's Atlanta Legends made a bit of a splash when they hired former Vikings coach Brad Childress, but Childress quit Wednesday before the season started.
There was no explanation for the departure. Childress is 62 and, after coaching the Vikings, worked as with his buddy Andy Reid in Kansas City after a short stint as Cleveland's offensive coordinator.
Initially, there was speculation that Childress might return to the NFL. Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski was interviewing for the Browns head coach job, and he has a close relationship with Childress. The Browns, however, hired Freddie Kitchens on Wednesday and Stefanski returned to the Vikings.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, a longtime NFL assistant, would take over in Atlanta, where the team is starting its season on Feb. 9.