Economics will be factor in re-signing free agents

The Vikings organization has not made a decision on whether it will attempt to re-sign free agent center Matt Birk, safety Darren Sharper and tight end Jim Kleinsasser, coach Brad Childress said.

Childress said team officials will meet later this month to map out their plans. Childress said he believes both Birk and Sharper have "gas left in the tank," but economics also will play a part in the decision-making process.

Birk has said he wants to play next season. Sharper said it's "50-50" whether he returns, but it seems likely that rookie Tyrell Johnson could replace Sharper next season.

Childress declined to speculate on any of the free agents' futures.

"I think both of them are interested to see what's out there in the free agency market as well," he said. "That's the system.

Childress said all of his assistant coaches remain under contract, and he doesn't foresee any changes. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier interviewed with the Broncos for their head coaching job Wednesday and is scheduled to meet with the Lions about their vacancy today. The Rams also have permission to interview Frazier.

Childress declined to speculate on whether he would promote from within or look outside the team if Frazier leaves. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar was a candidate when then-defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin left to take the head coaching job in Pittsburgh two years ago, but Dunbar told KFAN Radio on Thursday that he has no interest in the position.

"Because I think that's the way it's going to be. [I'm] Just having fun where I'm at, just really growing, and we're going to leave that up to Coach Childress to do the things that he wants to do."

Dunbar suggested that linebackers coach Fred Pagac and defensive backs coach Joe Woods would be good candidates.

There was speculation about whether special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro would be retained, after the Vikings allowed an NFL record seven special teams touchdowns this season.

"I don't have any plans to change right now," Childress said when asked about Ferraro. "They're all under contract. When you speak to special teams, obviously that's a thorn in all of our sides to give up that many returns for touchdowns. I just think it's a matter of continuity and the guys playing and the same guys playing in the coverage waves. All 11 guys doing their job. Because if one guy doesn't do his job obviously it sticks out like a sore thumb."

Right guard Anthony Herrera had shoulder surgery Wednesday and offensive tackle Artis Hicks is scheduled to have surgery on his injured triceps today.

Quarterback Gus Frerotte did not hide his frustration over not regaining his starting job after he returned from a back injury late in the season. Childress said he talked to Frerotte before the playoff game but the two did not speak after the season.

"I can understand how Gus feels," Childress said. "He had a stake in the action here, did a great job of leading our team to wins, and I wouldn't want a guy that didn't have that competitive zeal. We agree to disagree on who's starting at quarterback, but the one thing you know about Gus is he's a team guy, and I certainly appreciate that about him."

Frerotte has a year remaining on his contract.

• The Vikings offseason program will start April 6 this year, a few weeks later than last year.

• Practice squad defensive end Martail Burnett was signed to a reserve/futures contract.