The Minnesota Vikings appear to be taking steps toward removing the interim tag from Leslie Frazier's coaching title.
NFL sources said Friday night that the sides are involved in serious discussions that could result in Frazier being named the team's permanent coach at some point after Sunday's regular-season finale in Detroit. It's believed Frazier could receive a contract in the neighborhood of three years. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf has declined interview requests in recent weeks to discuss the coaching situation.
Frazier, 51, took over on an interim basis on Nov. 22, a day after Brad Childress was fired following a 31-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Since then, Frazier has done his best to keep the focus on his team and away from his future employment, but the latter subject has become unavoidable as the season winds down.
Frazier said he has yet to talk to Wilf about remaining as coach but revealed that the sides planned to get together next week. "When this season is over I'd like to know what the future holds," Frazier said Friday afternoon. "Be able to make plans of the future. The most important thing right now is the Detroit Lions. We're 48 hours away. Maybe it will be in Detroit. Maybe it will be on Sunday. Who knows? But that's the most important thing right now, and that part of it is going to take care of itself in due time."
While the Vikings have not publicly stated their intention when it comes to the coach search, Frazier has acquitted himself well and would improve to 4-2 with a victory over the Lions after the team went 3-7 under Childress. Two of Frazier's three victories have come on the road, ending a nine-game losing streak away from home under Childress.
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What likely has impressed ownership the most has been the job Frazier has done managing the Vikings through turmoil. This has included the collapse of the Metrodome roof -- the Vikings were forced to play "home" games in Detroit and at TCF Bank Stadium -- and the NFL's decision to push last Sunday's game between the Vikings and Eagles to Tuesday because of the threat of a blizzard in Philadelphia.
The Vikings suffered one-sided losses to the Giants (21-3) and Bears (40-14) after the Dome's roof came down but rebounded to upset the Eagles 24-14.
"The thing that I've tried to do is to try and get [the team] focused on the opponent," said Frazier, who was defensive coordinator before being promoted. "That's what I've been trying to do from Day 1. ... Build trust within our team where they're trusting their teammates, they're trusting their coaches and vice versa. I can't say it's one particular thing, but you guys know what leadership looks like, and that's important in the role that I'm in. It makes a huge difference. However way you define leadership, that's what I've tried to provide."
Frazier, a cornerback for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1986, has been the anti- thesis of Childress, bringing a calm and less confrontational demeanor to his duties.
One reason Wilf might be acting quickly to retain Frazier is because the coach could be dealing from a position of strength once the season ends. Frazier has interviewed for seven head coaching jobs in recent years and now has the experience he lacked.
Teams that already will be looking for head coaches come next week include Carolina, Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen seriously considered hiring Frazier two years ago before deciding to go with Josh McDaniels. Cincinnati and Oakland also could makes changes, and there is uncertainty surrounding a handful of other teams.
It remains uncertain how the Vikings' power structure will work if Frazier gets the job. Childress had final authority over several matters, including the 53-man roster. Wilf could look to give a member of the front office, such as vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman, more of a say in matters.
"I'll probably have to stay away from that one right now until we have some other discussions," Frazier said when asked if he'd like authority similar to what Childress had. "I'd love to be back here and working with our team and the familiarity I have with this organization. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."
