If Leslie Frazier is going down, it will not be without a fight. The Minnesota Vikings head coach is well-aware that his seat is very hot, but that is not distracting him from trying to win one more game this season. While ownership is remaining coy on the future status of Frazier, the coach has the full support of the players in the locker room which could take him far.
Frazier is 20-33-1 and despite having just been to the playoffs a season ago, the Vikings are unhappy with the direction the 2013 season took. Currently signed through the 2014 season, it appears unlikely Minnesota intends on extending his deal and will not look to have his final contract year be a distraction. His firing seems to be the likely option, much to the dismay of several players.
One person preparing to lobby for Frazier is running back Adrian Peterson. The star running back told reporters that he plans on meeting with Vikings ownership to speak in favor of Frazier, saying he plans on having the head coach in Minnesota for the remainder of his career.
"I'm definitely not an individual that's looking for dramatic change," Peterson said, via TwinCities.com. "So, yeah, it would hurt if Frazier leaves.I try to say what I have to say. There's a time and place for everything. And with the season (winding down), that time is coming. I'm going to give my input and see what they have to say and go from there. ... Right now, I'm just trying to focus on finishing the season strong, with Detroit. And then that's when I'm sure things will get rolling, and we'll see what's going to go down."
CBSSports.com is already reporting Minnesota has reached out to current Penn State coach Bill O'Brien to gauge his interest level in the job. Frazier is not immune to the rumors, but is not addressing them. However, that is not stopping other players from speaking out. Wide receiver Greg Jennings is another Viking offering his support.
"I'm in full support of Coach Frazier," Jennings said. "He's my head coach. ... Whatever decisions are made down the road, that's in the hands of the guys upstairs, the ownership. I'm in full support of Coach Frazier."
Frazier would only offer up a brief thanks to the players for speaking out. He knows this decision will come down to business. Right now, he plans on starting Matt Cassel in the season finale. If the Vikings can get a win, Frazier might be safer than assumed.