New Vikings coach Leslie Frazier was a popular choice by the players to succeed Brad Childress last season. Frazier coached the team as interim boss and earned the confidence of not only players but owners, too.
The 2010 Vikings were among the popular picks to reach the Super Bowl before the season began. But the team had various disappointments including the performances of the offensive line, receivers and quarterback Brett Favre. Childress was let go after the Green Bay game in Minneapolis on November 21. The Vikings had a 3-7 record then and finished 6-10.
Frazier had been the Vikings defensive coordinator since 2007 and earned the respect of players with his football knowledge and leadership. Now 52, Frazier hasn’t been a head coach for a full season since he helped start the football program at Trinity College in Illinois in the late 1980s. But Frazier radiates positivity, has a football background that includes Super Bowl wins as a player and assistant coach, and seems comfortable with the challenge of leading a Vikings team that some media believe will finish last in the NFC North behind Green Bay, Chicago and Detroit.
Doubts about the 2011 Vikings include the quarterback position, offensive line and a revised coaching staff. Frazier talked with Sports Headliners this week about a variety of subjects including what he needs to establish with his team. Here is the interview Q & A:
What do you think the team expects from you as the new head coach?
Frazier: “I think our players are looking for leadership, someone to really chart the direction of our team as we navigate this new season. … They’re looking for guidance and that’s what I am here to provide.”
What do you need to prove or establish this year?
“I think I need to make sure that we don’t have a bad taste in our mouths from last season. That we’re moving forward and looking forward to 2011, and not holding on to 2010. If I can get that done, where we’re focused on 2011, that will be a big boon for our team.”
Do you need to establish yourself more with the offensive players? Or did you establish that as interim coach?
“I think they’re familiar with me. Now we’ve got some new guys coming to our club that I will have to get familiar with and vice versa. But I think they kind of have a good feel for the way I lead and what’s expected.”