Vikings hire Tice

EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Mike Tice, who took over the Minnesota Vikings when Dennis Green was forced out last week, was hired as head coach Thursday.

Tice was introduced as coach at an 11:30 a.m. news conference.

Owner Red McCombs said this week that Tice was the leading candidate.

He replaced Green, who was forced out last week with the Vikings heading toward the worst finish in his 10-year tenure.

Tice led the Vikings in their final game Monday, a 19-3 loss at Baltimore that capped a 5-11 season.

Tice, 42, is popular among many Vikings, and some free agents said his hiring would be a reason to re-sign.

"He's a guy everyone respects," tight end Byron Chamberlain said Tuesday. "Not just the offensive linemen, but everyone. The way he prepares himself and the preparation he puts in is incredible."