The Vikings guy worked with him in SF, and didn't he horribly wear out his welcome with everyone in the 49ers organization? I really believe that the Vikings guy just worked Jimmy as payback for everything he put the SF front office through. Dangled the job in front of him like a found baseball and then had him sit in the lobby for four hours when he showed up.
And as for the onside kick thing, I'll have to beg to differ. My dream scenario this November is that Ohio State gets a defensive touchdown on the first series of the game and then onside kicks it, recovers and scores on the first play. Do not shit on my dream, man.