There weren’t high expectations for Leslie Frazier’s first season in Minnesota, but the team has still disappointed.
They are tied for the second worst record in football at 2-9, and records like that usually bring change. Frazier should be safe, but Tom Pelissero of espn1500.com writes that his defensive staff will likely be tweaked.
Frazier has already relieved defensive coordinator Fred Pagac of some of his duties. Frazier has been more active calling defensive plays.
“There are dead men walking at Winter Park, and deep down, Frazier must know it,” Pelissero writes. “A defensive coaching staff largely assembled by predecessor Brad Childress probably has as much time left with the Vikings as Donovan McNabb.”
Bringing McNabb in was one of Frazier’s first moves. Pelissero says Frazier “won a contentious debate” to acquire McNabb. Frazier also reportedly was at odds with the front office over bringing in cornerback Benny Sapp.
It appears that dividing personnel duties between Frazier and Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman could be creating some conflict between trying to win now and developing for the future.
Changes to the defensive staff seem inevitable. It’s worth wondering if the Vikings will also adjust how they structure personnel decisions in the future.