Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune recently reported that the Vikings and interim coach Leslie Frazier have been involved in “serious discussions” aimed at making him the non-interim coach.
A league source tells us that the discussions entailed meetings that consumed more than five hours on Friday.
Time is of the essence for the Vikings, given that once their season ends on Sunday other teams may come calling for Frazier. (It would be more than a little naive to think that teams that may be interested in Frazier haven’t made their interest known to Frazier’s agent.)
Because Frazier is a minority candidate, the Vikings can make him the permanent coach without conducting any further interviews. And by all appearances the Vikings will make him the permanent coach.
It would make sense to make the move as soon as possible after the regular-season finale. Five years ago, the team made it known immediately after a Week 17 win over the Bears that coach Mike Tice wouldn’t be returning.
The next question will be whether Frazier retains offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who employs the West Coast offense. And if Bevell stays, it will be impossible to rule out another “this is my last year, and I mean it this time” return from Brett Favre, especially if a lockout wipes out the offseason program and/or training camp.