CS Fullerton Aide Offered Viking Job

Jerry Brown, an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton, is considering an offer that would make him the Minnesota Vikings’ first black assistant coach in the 27-year history of the franchise.

Brown, 38, is Fullerton’s offensive coordinator and associate head coach. Viking General Manager Mike Lynn offered Brown the job after interviewing him Friday.

The Vikings are the only NFL team that has never had a black assistant coach.

“We have not offered the job to Jerry because he’s black,” Lynn said. “We offered it because we think Jerry’s the best individual for the job.”

Said Viking receiver Leo Lewis, who is black: “Professionally, we’d expect the same job from him as any other coach, but I’m glad this is being done. It’s long overdue. Sometimes a black player needs a coach who can culturally understand, relate to what he’s going through.”

Viking Coach Jerry Burns said Brown asked why he was interested in him without knowing his technical coaching ability.

“I told him I know his background is that he has a great ability to get along with people,” Burns said. “I said I look for people who can get along with people.”