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I can still remember friends saying, the day after Childress' introductory press conference, that "We got the right guy."

The key to Brewster's tenure will be not how his career looks on a résumé or how he performs behind a lectern; it will be how he works a room.

Monson was notorious among boosters and fans for avoiding eye contact in crowded rooms, Mason for turning on his infrequently used but estimable charm only in the presence of a few influential boosters.

Childress displayed just enough winsomeness to get him through the Vikings' interview process, and is expected to charm us again in 2061, upon the return of Halley's Comet.

Preconceived opinions don't matter, and what is said today at the big press conference won't, either.

What will count is Brewster's mien in the living rooms of recruits and the cramped offices of high school coaches, his campaign to win the corroded hearts and addled minds of the Gopher faithful.

Because he's competing with The Chiller, Brewster has a chance to make the Gophers the most likeable football team in town.

This will require a well-conceived siege. Brewster's slog begins today.

Jim Souhan can be heard Sundays from 10 a.m.-noon on AM-1500 KSTP. jsouhan@startribune.com