Veteran NFL coach Leslie Frazier is set to join the Seattle Seahawks as an associate head coach, according to sources familiar with the hiring process. This move marks the first major addition for new head coach Mike Macdonald, who will now have the opportunity to work alongside Frazier, an experienced coach with a successful track record.
Although the team has not formally announced the hire, it was first reported by NFL Network. Frazier, who is 64 years old, took a hiatus from the NFL last season after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that role, he gained over two decades of coaching experience as an assistant and defensive coordinator for multiple teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Frazier also had the chance to lead as a head coach during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. He took over the role midway through the 2010 season and was officially named the head coach at the end of the season. The highlight of his time with the Vikings came in 2012 when the team finished with a strong 10-6 record and secured the second-place position in the NFC North. However, they were unable to advance beyond the wild-card round of the playoffs after losing to the Green Bay Packers.
Unfortunately, the following season saw a decline in performance as the Vikings posted a disappointing 5-10-1 record. Consequently, Frazier was relieved of his duties as head coach at the end of the 2013 season. Despite this setback, Frazier's vast experience and knowledge of the game have made him a sought-after coaching candidate.
Interestingly, Frazier and Macdonald previously worked together during the 2016 season with the Baltimore Ravens. Frazier served as the secondary coach while Macdonald held the position of defensive assistant. Their prior working relationship could potentially contribute to a strong synergy within the coaching staff of the Seahawks.
During Macdonald's recent introductory news conference, he confirmed his intention to call the defensive plays for Seattle. However, he also acknowledged the possibility of delegating this responsibility to another coach if and when the need arises.
The addition of Leslie Frazier to the coaching staff is undoubtedly a positive development for the Seattle Seahawks. Frazier's wealth of experience and proven expertise in coaching will contribute to the team's efforts to strengthen their defensive strategies and maximize their performance on the field. With a promising coaching duo in place, Seahawks fans have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed.
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