Headrick Matches Clancy

Minnesota Vikings president Roger Headrick has matched author Tom Clancy’s bid to buy the team, setting up a potential legal battle for control.

Headrick, one of the Vikings’ 10 current owners, said he upped his offer by about $20 million, equaling Clancy’s NFL-record bid of slightly more than $200 million that the Vikings accepted Tuesday.

Headrick said he had a legal right to match any bid under the bylaws under which the current ownership group operates.

“If there’s any dispute as to my right to match the Clancy offer, then the matter is submitted to the NFL commissioner for resolution,” Headrick said.

Jim Johnson, defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts for the past two seasons, was hired as linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson, 56, replaces Mike Murphy, who went to the Colts after last season.

Retired quarterback Jim Kelly hopes to strike a deal with the Baltimore Ravens by the end of the month.