Vikings coach Leslie Frazier didn’t come out and say he was unhappy about the way his contract situation was handled.
But the words he didn’t say might have said as much, as he was careful in talking around the option being picked up on his deal in lieu of a long-term extension.
“I moved past it,” Frazier said, via Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com. “It is what it is, and I’ve got to concentrate on getting our team ready for this season, and that’s what’s important.”
After a mistaken report by the Associated Press that Frazier had been given a contract extension, the Vikings announced that they had picked up an option for 2014. Then his agent spread the word that there were no negotiations on a new deal.
Frazier talked around the lack of a mandate the Vikings created, working hard to not make waves. Asked if he believed there were going to be talks toward an extension, he hedged.
“Well, what I believe and what actually is is what you have to deal with — as you guys know, the reality,” Frazier said. “And that’s what I want to deal with, the reality of the situation.
“You guys are well aware of what my situation is. There was an announcement made, and that’s where things are. I’m excited to be the head coach of the Vikings. I like the job that I have, and I like the team that we have.”
Frazier led the Vikings to a seven-win improvement and a playoff berth in 2012, seemingly enough to warrant an extension. But the Vikings apparently had other ideas, and now Frazier is being forced into another prove-it year, and the Vikings are fortunate their coach isn’t making a stink about it.