Are You (Probably) Ready For Another New Defensive Coordinator?

by Gonzo on Jan 2, 2009 10:14 AM CST in Vikings Comment 18 comments

After the Vikings have played their final game, regardless of how deep into the playoffs that might be, there's a very good chance that Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is going to be a very busy man.

According to Access Vikings, Frazier is already scheduled to talk with the Detroit Lions about their head coaching vacancy next week. Unless the Vikings do something really crazy like. . .I don't know. . .win this Sunday. In that case, Frazier wouldn't be able to speak with the Lions (or anybody else) until the Vikings have been eliminated from the post-season.

Apparently Frazier is also a candidate to be interviewed by the New York Jets and the St. Louis Rams as well.

Now, the more cynical types out there might start asking themselves if Frazier would be playing the role of Art Shell. . .i.e. "the guy that gets interviewed by teams so they can satisfy the requirements of the Rooney Rule." Even though Frazier has done an outstanding job as DC for us the past couple of seasons, the thought crossed my mind as well. However, that role appears to have been filled this season (to this point, anyway) by Cleveland defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. That's not to say that Tucker isn't a good coach. . .he very well might be, though the Browns defense this season was not terribly good.

But Frazier's defenses have steadily gotten better over the last two seasons, and this season he's put together a good pass defense to go along with the Vikings' outstanding run-stopping ability. He got some interviews for head coaching jobs after the Vikings were done last year, if my memory serves me correctly, and with the improvement the Minnesota defense has shown in 2008, he'll be an even stronger candidate this season.

Thus far, there are five head coaching vacancies in the NFL (Denver, New York Jets, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis), and there could be a few more coming (Kansas City, Oakland, possibly even Dallas). Any of those teams would be well-served to give Leslie Frazier an interview and/or a chance to be their head coach.

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I hope we doesn't leave us.

If he does leave we should pick up someone just as good or better. Maybe Marty Shottenheimer could be our D. coordinator.

Btw Gonzo, how is Fallout 3?

Gonzo2

by Gonzo2 on Jan 2, 2009 10:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Marty wants to be a GM/Coach, not a DC.

"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"

by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I good part about a long

playoff run, some of those positions may get filled before our season is done. (I hope).

personally I think, we should hire him to be our HC after the season is over.

Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?

by the Real Thor on Jan 2, 2009 10:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I read on the NFC North blog

That Frazier could potentially interview early next week even if we beat Philly, especially if the matchup with the Panthers is scheduled for Sunday. Hopefully he wouldn’t, but I think the option is there.

Also read that Frazier was next in line in Miami after Sparano, and was next in line for some other team (Baltimore maybe?) So he is definitely a legit candidate.

by TEXVIKE on Jan 2, 2009 10:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The rule was changed

They [NFL] changed the rule about coaches being able to interview after last year’s carousel. Now as long as it is for a head coaching position (I think it is just that one position), as long as they have permission from the team that the assistant is still under contract with and that there is time available for an interview, it can be done.

A win, especially if we have to play on a short week (next Saturday) will strictly limit any free time Leslie might have to interview. Remember that process usually take a good day. You have travel to and from the inquiring city plus the usually 4+ hour interview/presentation itself, along with any other wine and dining of the candidate and possibly his wife.

If Frazier does move on, and believe me, I would like to see him stay, out of all the teams I’d like to see Frazier end up with (other than staying with the Vikes), it is the Broncos gig that seems the plum for whomever lands it. You’ve got an owner that will keep you long term, he is free with his pocketbook so that you can bring in players that you want, there is a good offense with a very good young quarterback in place, and a very loyal fan base.

Detroit has been a death knell for coaches as Kevin Seifert and history points out.

New York you almost have to be perfect, and that still may not be good enough. On top of that, you have the whole Brett Favre saga again.

The Rams ownership is wanting to sell the team, and there are stadium issues too. Plus their personnel office stinks.

The Browns are changing their whole management and are known for being the home of staff infections and perennial losers.

Then there is the black hole of Oakland working for Al David and his senility.

Yep, the best place to be a new, defensive minded, head coach would be Denver.

The question will be who takes his place? I’d like Karl Dunbar to get the chance, I think he deserves the shot if he wants it.

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a Viking to raze a village.

by Luft Krigare on Jan 2, 2009 11:44 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Good post, reced it.

"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"

by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vikings were lucky Frazier didn't get a h.c. job

last year. He really has done a wonderful job in adjusting his defensive gameplanning this season. Tony Dungy only hires the best and the brightest witness Tomlin who started out with him in T.B. and Frazier.

Just think where the Vikes might be now had that fool McCombs dumped Denny much earlier and promoted Tony D. when he had the chance.

by VikingBillArlingtonVA on Jan 2, 2009 11:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’m not being a hater or anything, but is Frazier that good of a DC? For that matter, was Tomlin an exceptional DC? Seems like anyone would have had the league’s top defense against the run with our defensive tackles. Well, Cottrell had the 19th ranked run defense with the two Williamses, but that’s Cottrell for you.

I do like the fact that the pass defense improved this season to 18th, after being dead last under Frazier last season and Tomlin the season before. But I might give Jared Allen a little credit for that too. Maybe it’s more about attitude, personality or style rather than stats when a coordinator gets a HC job sometimes. I guess I can understand that.

I suppose if Tomlin got a HC job, Frazier deserves a shot too. With our personnel, we can survive without either of them. I personally would like to see Rod Marinelli get the job if Frazier leaves, due to his familiarity with the defense we run and his positive, motivational attitude. I don’t care how bad the Lions were with him as HC, I think he’s a good coordinator candidate because of who he is rather than his record. Yeah, I guess it is all about attitude, personality or style. I talked myself into it :).

by Bodysuit Man on Jan 2, 2009 1:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jared Allen

I think it can be pretty safe to say that Jared Allen is the biggest reason the Vikings defense has improved. With as much pressure as he gets, plus freeing up Kevin Williams from double teams, the QB doesn’t have the 4-5 seconds, or whatever ridiculous amount of time, they used to have to find the open guy. Now, it’s a much quicker decision, leading to fewer and shorter completions, thus, a better ranking for the Vikings. The front office really fleeced the Chiefs on that trade.

Oh, also, getting rid of Dwight Smith and Fred Smoot had to help, and I think they’d be ranked even higher if EJ was still prowling the middle of the field to cut down on those tight end plays.

by cheaptoy on Jan 2, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Scheming

Earlier in the season Jared Allen allowed the Vikings to close teams out. Either due to injury or the opponents game planning, he hasn’t had the same dominance. No doubt teams have to account for him, which is irreplaceable.

The Allen trade was a fine grift, but it doesn’t make up for the HW debacle of yesteryear.

Opinion on Brian Robison starting? He seems to have a motor and drive.

by LoveHate on Jan 2, 2009 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Robison is a bit over-rated. He had a good rookie season, but he’s definitely petered off this year. I doubt he’s have as large an impact as we want. Granted, EDwards didn’t have a great season either, but Robison won’t be any more effective than he is I don’t think.

by Frost on Jan 2, 2009 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Marinelli would be a good choice

The NFL is littered with examples of great coordinators who made lousy head coaches.

"The Bills have no playoff aspirations"

by Joe P. on Jan 3, 2009 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately...

He has ties to Lovie Smith and he interviewed with the Bears yesterday for some position, not sure if it’s the coordinator or line coach.

by Bodysuit Man on Jan 3, 2009 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has been that good of a coordinator

this year for sure. Even with the improved pass rush the play has been much stronger in the secondary generally and specifically in both the second Packers game (no YAC for the Pack) and, of course, against AZ. Been playing much more press man with good results and the blitz packages have been decent as well.

by VikingBillArlingtonVA on Jan 3, 2009 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Who will take Frazier's place?

I think Frazier is getting a head coaching postions somewhere this year. I what to know who will be taking his spot. Will the Vikings hire within or will they look for some other Tampa 2 coodinator outside of the orginization?

by Tuba on Jan 2, 2009 2:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I ment POSITION… singular. A person can only coach one team at a time.

by Tuba on Jan 2, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hard telling

I think Childress would fill the spot by promoting someone either on staff or on another team, not by hiring a former coordinator or a college coordinator. You could look first to the Eagles defensive line, LB, and DB coaches I’m sure. I’m also pretty sure it will be somebody we’ve never heard of.

I don’t have anything other than my instinct for that opinion mind you, it’s just a hunch. But a big name guy would outshine Childress, and he wouldn’t want that would he? Please don’t let it be Cottrell though…hoo boy.

by Bodysuit Man on Jan 3, 2009 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs