Leslie Frazier was named the eighth Head Coach in Vikings history on January 3, 2011, after serving as the club’s Interim Head Coach for the final 6 games of the 2010 season. Frazier joined the Vikings in 2007 as Defensive Coordinator and added Assistant Head Coach duties in 2008.
Frazier notched a 3-3 record on an interim basis, including winning his opening contest at Washington and an upset win over eventual NFC East champion Philadelphia on the road. His steady and consistent personality and coaching style helped the Vikings prepare weekly under unprecedented circumstances in a harrowing three-week span. The team endured the collapse of the roof on their home stadium, forcing the club to play consecutive “home” games at Detroit’s Ford Field against the NY Giants and at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota against the Chicago Bears. Following the chaotic two weeks, the team experienced a two- day weather delay of a Sunday Night Football game at Philadelphia to Tuesday night, turning a routine road trip into a three-night extended stay.
The Vikings 2010 defense ended the season ranked #8 in the NFL, the 3rd straight season the Vikings ranked in the top 10 in total defense for the first time since 1992-94. The Vikings defense scored touchdowns on turnovers in the final 2 games of the season on a fumble return and interception return. Vikings DE Jared Allen led the team with 11.0 sacks and anchored a defensive line that allowed only 10 rushing TDs. Allen also tied a team record with a pair of interceptions by a defensive lineman in a season. Offensively, the Vikings were stifled by injuries and started 3 QBs and centers during the season. The running game continued to excel as Pro Bowler Adrian Peterson notched 1,298 yards and 12 TDs. Peterson’s 1,298 yards rank as the 5th-best total in team history and gives him 4 of the top 5 yardage totals in Vikings history in his 4 seasons. Peterson’s 12 rushing TDs ranked tied for 4th in the NFL and he tied the Vikings career rushing TDs record with 52 in only 4 seasons. The team was forced through injuries to turn to rookie QB Joe Webb to start the final 2 games of the season, winning his debut at Philadelphia.
Frazier’s defense led the NFL in 2009 with 48.0 sacks and the team ranks 5th in the NFL with 162.0 sacks from 2007-10. The Vikings defense ranked #6 in the NFL in 2009, the 2nd straight season ranked #6 in total defense. The mark was the 1st time since 1993-94 the team ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in consecutive seasons.
With the unique perspective of a Super Bowl winner as a player and coach, Frazier has a proven track record of success. His 1st title came as a starting CB with the 1985 Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX. Frazier marks his 13th season as an NFL coach in 2011 and has another 11 years of collegiate coaching experience. In his 12 seasons as an NFL coach, Frazier has suffered a losing season only twice- his 1st season with Philadelphia in 1999 and 2010 with Minnesota. He has coached on 7 playoff teams in his 12 seasons and been a part of 6 division championships.
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