"Nothing that he does will surprise me," Childress said of Udeze, who missed the 2008 season while recovering from leukemia. "I expect him to get back and be there the first day of OTAs because that's his expectation."

Udeze said last month that he plans to participate in the Vikings' offseason program and remains confident he will play in 2009.

Childress joined team President Mark Wilf and several team vice presidents at a reception celebrating the Vikings' 30-year partnership with the University of Minnesota department of pediatrics. The event was held at the home of university President Robert Bruininks.

Childress also said Chad O'Shea was promoted to assistant special-teams coach. He had worked with receivers coach George Stewart.

Despite giving up a record seven touchdowns on special teams, Childress said he was confident Brian Murphy, a special-teams assistant last season, could provide a fresh perspective after the departure of coach Paul Ferraro, who was hired as linebackers coach of the St. Louis Rams.

"I think Murph will give us that (a fresh perspective)," Childress said.

Murphy was promoted to special-teams coach on Monday.

Childress said there was no news on defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier interviewing in Kansas City. Childress said he spoke to Frazier on Thursday evening.

Childress said he spoke to former defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin two weeks ago. Then on Wednesday, Tomlin, who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a Super Bowl victory, left Childress a voice mail message.

"(I'm) happy for him," Childress said. "I know what it takes to keep the guys together from the regular season, on into the playoffs."

The Vikings signed a former Canadian Football League linebacker in late December. Kenny Onatolu, 26, played two seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos and is strong on special teams.

"Thought he was excellent," Childress said. "Just active. He's a premier special-teams player as well."

Wilf said all 53 players participated in community outreach during the season.

"Our players probably get way more out it than the kids that they touch," Childress said.

The writers can be reached at sjensen@pioneerpress.com and ralonzo@pioneerpress.com