As he prepared for the playoffs with just one year left on his contract, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier hadn’t heard a word from the Vikings.
He has now heard a word.
Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf said Tuesday the team was ready to start talking contract with Frazier now that the season is over.
“We’re pleased with the job Leslie has done and as he mentioned we haven’t really sat down and discussed anything at this point,” Wilf said, via Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com. “But we’re pleased with the job he’s done in 2012 and we’ll address it.”
Frazier led the Vikings to a surprising 10-6 record this year, and even a playoff loss without starting quarterback Christian Ponder was enough to diminish the enthusiasm for his work. Wilf said it wasn’t unusual, however, to wait until season’s end to open discussions with Frazier’s agent Bob LaMonte.
“Those things are the things that are addressed typically in the offseason and that’s the way we’re addressing it,” Wilf said.
During a press conference earlier, Fraizer said he was “not worried about” the lack of talks.
“I know things will work out just fine,” Frazier said. “I’ve been told a number of times from Mark and Zygi [Wilf] and [general manager] Rick [Spielman] they are pleased with the job we’ve done this season. I’m very appreciative of their support throughout the year. Very appreciative.”
Frazier also said he hoped to bring back most, if not all of his coaching staff. Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer and co-linebackers coach Mike Singletary are part of the Bears’ head coach cattle call.
“Our coaches did a great job in getting our players ready to play every week,” he said. “Barring someone getting a promotion, I’m hoping that all our guys will be back. They did a terrific job throughout the season.”
So did Frazier, and the Vikings are finally getting around to acknowledging that.